Old Chinese Painting by anahata.c
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Description
I posted a poorer version of this way back. A friend took this photo: It's far more accurate.
It uses traditional Chinese ink sticks, with traditional Chinese brushes, on traditional Chinese silk.
This was my first Chinese painting. I studied for several years. This one was to learn the old technique: You hold the brush upright. You move the whole arm. And the silk was like painting on fine gravel. You can see the backing in the white lines running through the painting: Those are part of the art.
Those washes in the sky are sepia and red-blue inks. They represent what the Chinese called the "Tao" of the painting (Dao): The spirit inside of nature. It dissolves everything...
And...
there's an ancient art to grinding ink sticks: They're thick chunks of dried ink, they have beautiful carvings and inscriptions, and they're lightly perfumed. They're a joy to hold. You rub them on special bowls---adding water slowly. Great artists know just how much to use: It's an art, it calms you and gives you peace, and prepares you like meditation.
Finally: Mounting these silks is an art by itself:
The great Chinese scroll paintings in museums require enormous, painstaking effort: The average apprenticeship for Mounting is 12 to 15 years. They use gold brocades, elaborate patterns and rare and beauteous silks. Look, the next time you see one. They use many layers too---so paintings can be rolled-up and stored, to protect them from the elements. Families would take out their scrolls for special occasions only...and some scrolls were unfolded on tables where the paintings were "read" like novels...
This is from the 80's. Hope you enjoy.
I'll be back in the morning.
Thanks for your wonderful visits, and I wish you all a wonderful Sunday,
Mark
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Comments (15)
giulband
The image is wonderful for itself. Your explanation on the technique is very interesting and more the relative concept and spirit that there is behind them.
durleybeachbum
Absolutely fascinating! I am mentally unsuited to making such laborious work, but your result is beautiful.
flavia49
very beautiful
photosynthesis
Like Andrea, I too am "mentally unsuited" for this kind of work, but I can appreciate the effort that goes into it & the way it expresses so much with such apparent simplicity...
goodoleboy
What guilband said. Plus, I'm mentally, but not physically, suited for this type of artwork, due mainly to my essential tremor; I could never keep my hand still long enough to achieve these serene wistful effects, Mark. They would look like bird scratches, and I would be sneezing from the light perfume anyway. It's really delicate work, and you did a very nice job with the grinding ink sticks, an art medium that I was unaware of, possible because I'm not Chinese. In any event, lots of cool effects and depth in this presentation, Mark.
Cyve
ABsolutely fantastic my friend !!!
jocko500
wow i like this work
blondeblurr
WOW - I am left speechless (well almost) - this looks like the real thing to me !
But then again I am no expert on Chinese art, (or any art for that matter) - but I know what I see and like and you made it look so real, my guess, you studying it for years has made all the difference - I do admire your enthusiasm for embracing something new and presenting us with such a fine and detailed artwork, you could have fooled me - I am in awe ! another notch under your belt Mark, or is it on your belt (?) not too sure about this saying, must consult Mr. Google
- anyhow, I find this truly inspiring and it does tell me of meditation ... 
Cheers BB
MrsRatbag
Beautiful work, Mark; I love this style of artwork, but had no idea of the intensity of effort behind it all. That makes me like it even more. Well done you!
Richardphotos
very informative information and superb art
LivingPixels
This is a fine visual Mark as with all you produce its got wonderful story and interesting info as always my friend BTW Thanx ever so mush for your encouragement and comments they are gratefully appreciated!!
bakapo
oh my, this is splendid! I knew how moved I was whenever I saw something like this, but your explanation just made it even more moving. thanks for sharing the story and the art. I am in awe!
bugsnouveau
Fascinating story with beautiful results
CavalierLady
Having made a conscious decision to bookmark and browse only the photography gallery, I miss many other styles of art here at R'osity. I must say I am most impressed by the technique, skill and painstaking reproduction of the original centuries old technique of creating this kind of art. You have a very interesting gallery and skills which I do not possess. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my last few images.
auntietk
Such interesting information! I'm certainly mentally suited to the work, but my skill set is sorely lacking. What a beautiful result! And don't let Maria fool you. She does some truly amazing artwork that she hasn't shared (wood carving, for one ... wow!) ... she just doesn't do Chinese silk painting. :P