Chinese Brush Painting through the Seasons

Chinese Brush Painting through the Seasons by Ning Jialu, Miao Hongbo, Sun Chenggang, and Ning Xiangying explores the traditional style of Chinese brush painting, a form that has evolved over many centuries. This artistic tradition employs ink and colour pigments applied to rice paper or silk.

An important aspect of this style is the ability to hold and direct the brush in a manner that produces delicate and refined strokes. The four co-authors of this book are particularly skilled in this technique, which is closely related to traditional calligraphy.

Themes commonly found in Chinese brush painting include birds, plants, flowers, landscapes, fruit and vegetables, and fish. Chinese Brush Painting through the Seasons examines these themes across the four seasons: the peony for spring, the lotus flower for summer, the vegetable harvest for autumn, and the bamboo bud for winter. Many subjects carry symbolic meanings associated with good fortune, auspiciousness, good health, longevity, abundance, a flourishing family, wealth, and even immortality.

Each project in the book begins with an explanation of its symbolism, followed by clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations. A short section at the beginning provides descriptions of tools, materials, and techniques, guiding readers to achieve the ethereal beauty and delicacy characteristic of this painting style.