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Qi or Lifelike Spirit:
Literally
means breath. Qi refers to the lifelike spirit or energy of the subject
and is the most important element of a paining. |
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Deft
Brushwork:
Line rather than shade of Western Art, is the basic element that defines
traditional Chinese Painting. |
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Form: Although a good
painting should have form that correctly portrays the subject, the sprit
of the subject is more important. |
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Well planed
space:
Good composition consists of the proper balance of all elements, large,
medium, and small. In Chinese painting, the elements are referred to as
the Host, the Guest, and the Servant. The Host is the main character and
is usually the largest. The host is present to greet the guest upon
arrival. The guest is smaller than the host, moves in a different
direction, and is used to balance the painting. The Servant is there to
support the host. The servant is similar to the host in both attitude
and direction, but is smaller. Sometimes additional elements called
Children are present to further balance the picture or give a sense of
depth. The empty space is as vital as the painted space and is carved
out with each and every brush stroke. |
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Respecting
Tradition:
By copying their teachers and duplicating established forms, an artists
becomes free to give life to that form. An exact duplication lacks
vitality. An artist should strive for spontaneity and free expression
while showing reverence for the past. |
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Versatile
Color:
The colors of the painting may reflect the hues of nature and the
appropriate season. By varying tones and wetness, an artist can convey
the texture of a subject. Fragile petals are painted in light tone.
Flexible leaves are painted in a dark wet tone. Strong rigid branches
are painted in dry ink. Variance of colors can also convey perspective
with darker elements in the foreground and lighter elements in the
background. |
