Adventures in Brush Painting

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Lotus flowers can be painted in many different ways in sumi-e or Chinese brush painting style. In this video I am demonstrating the outline and color technique. Some artists color their flowers meticulously; because this is a quick demonstration I am using more of a 'splashing ink' style. I used dark grey ink for a gestural outline and carmine, blue and yellow for the colors. The brush is a 'Happy Dot', which has a great point and springiness. You could also add stamens in black, red or yellow when the painting dries.
Here is a different style of lotus flower, using white on top of red while the paint is still wet to create the petals. If you wait until the flower is dry, you can add a wash to the back of the paper and the white petals will show up clearly. 
Picture
Below you will see how the flowers pop out when I add outline in red , then turn the painting over, spray the back with water and apply a soft greenish-yellow to give a background color. Yes! This is the same painting!
Chinese brush painting of outlined lotus flowers

Lotus flowers outlined in red

I encourage you to try many different styles. You can see more of my lotus paintings here. You can also watch more of my 'how-to' lotus videos on YouTube here. Good luck, and happy painting!
Splashing ink Chinese brush painting of red lotus and dragonfly

Quick-stroke sumi-e lotus and dragonfly

6 Comments
Sucheta Misrs - 9 years ago
Loved your birds and lotuses!!!!Very inspiring....
Virginia Lloyd-Davies - 9 years ago
Hello Sucheta! So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for getting in touch!
Diptasree Sen - 9 years ago
Hi virginia , your lotus and dragon fly painting is superb. Always a great fan of your paintings. Please post some more vidios of rose painting.
Virginia Lloyd-Davies - 9 years ago
Hello Diptasree! Thanks for your comment. I am working on a rose video at the moment. I think you'll like it!
Jim McCaffrey - 9 years ago
Hi Virginia; you have given me great pleasure viewing your website and watching your videos. I feel a strong affinity with someone who paints Chinese paintings like so. I'm hoping and wishing that your cancer treatment will prove effective, giving you the all clear. If it's ok I just have a few questions? Where can I get good quality Chinese brushes for paintings and characters and a good paper supplier as well. I hope this email finds you well, and look forward to your reply. Warm regards, Jim-----N. Ireland
Virginia - 9 years ago
Thank you for your kind words. Look at the blog subjects in the column to the right and click on "Materials List". It should get you started.

Virginia
Lloyd-Davies

Painting in sumi-e and Chinese brush technique since 1976 in 'splashing ink' style has taught me to appreciate the delights of spontaneity. Just as in life, there is no 'perfection' in painting, but there is much joy. Come join me in this adventure!