My first book " Sea of Ink" was an impulse buy, it is by Richard Weihe. translated from the German by Jamie Bullock. It is about the life and work of a Chinese painter Bada Shanran. He was born a member of the Royal family of the Ming Dynasty. When this was overthrown he traveled and became an artist and for a time a monk.The book explores his long training and search for perfection with brush and ink. Some lovely contemplative passages. The book contains some prints of his pictures and instructions as to the brush strokes required to produce them. I had a go with black water colour paint not ink. Most of my attempts, now in the bin, bore no resemblance to anything let alone what he intended. This one was the best of the bunch however!! Landscape with hut. Does not look like his but I saw myself looking out over misty hills and had fun.
I found this an interesting read and enjoyed finding out about the holistic approach to Chinese painting.I am full admiration for the patient years required to master the skills and full of awe for Bada Shanran's work and skill with a brush, but found myself not liking him much as a person. Maybe all great artists are a little self centred.
Jen x
Oh that sounds an interesting read and I love your painting simply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis looks intriguing. Sounds like a fabulous book. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful painting Jen... and love the sound of the book you read...
ReplyDeleteJenny ♥
Wow! Love your landscape, very gentle and yet powerful. Brilliant start.
ReplyDeleteJanet xx
Love your painting, Jen. I have had a try with proper sumi ink (the block stuff) and a proper Chinese brush - it's HARD work! I am glad you enjoyed the book, even if the "hero" was a little unlikeable
ReplyDeleteHahaha, I like the artist Art but not his personality. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI do like your painting! It's one of those you can look at for hours and discover something new in the clouds every minute! ♥
I have not tried Chinese brush work, though I have a stick of the ink I use with dip pens. The ink set came with a brush... hmmm :)
ReplyDeleteYour ink painting has so much in it, in the various shades of the ink, and the more I looked at it the more I could see. Beautifully done. Certainly looks from your review a book worth following up.
ReplyDeleteoh great choise of book. i love asian style ink paintings, dont kick ur self to hard they are super hgard to make. im def going to look for this book thank you
ReplyDeleteGreat review, and well done on having a go at this style of art. The simplicity of it is deceptive, this style is super hard and you did a great job.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review and your resulting art - well done.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you did well with this impulse buy! I like the art, too. I'm not somebody who has ever done will with painting, so I like seeing it when people do it well!
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds intriguing. I enjoy books that tell you about the person behind the art even if it sometimes conflicts with the image of the artist I have imagined. Your artwork certainly has great movement with the light and shade areas making it seem a little different each time I have looked at it. Well done on persevering and getting such a lovely piece of art.
ReplyDeleteOh your review did make me chuckle at the end. Your art work is just lovely, so much to see the longer you look.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful and you tried it out yourself..wow that is just the best. I really like your watercolour, great piece.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of your author and enjoyed your review. Lovely art work. Very peaceful. Michelle Vanstrom
ReplyDeleteSome find brush painting therapeutic...freeing...releasing perfection...I do see the hut with you looking over the misty landscape, FAB!...Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteVery effective artwork....it sounds like a a good book too, especially if it inspired you to paint!
ReplyDeleteHugs xx
That is a lovely effect you got by trying to recreate his style. Definitely misty mountains :D XXX
ReplyDeleteThe watercolour paint has produced an interesting effect. Very simple, but intriguing at the same time. The book sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really interesting and I think your painting is lovely, really effective x
ReplyDeleteI think the artwork you've done is great - especially as, as you say, it takes years to master!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds really interesting. One of my reading goals has been to read more about artists and their lives so I'm adding this to my list (especially since his method follows the approach used in Zentangle, the art method I teach). I'm impressed that you chose to use his technique for your artwork. You did a great job. I would have been totally intimidated to even try.
ReplyDeleteNot heard of the book but wow ... Love your art. So atmospheric! Well done!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I like your take on it.
ReplyDelete