Adventures in Brush Painting

Published on
Image description
Click on arrow below to view video

I am painting red grapes on thin, unsized rice paper. For the grapes I mixed Marie’s rouge tint with indigo; for the leaves I used indigo, gamboge, burnt sienna and black. Use a small soft brush for the grapes and a larger soft brush for the leaves. Use a springy, hard bristle brush for the branches and vines. To find out more details on how to paint grapes in Chinese brush technique, see this post. To view more grape paintings, go here.
If you enjoyed watching the video and want to try painting grapes yourself, be sure to check out my blog post for tips and  illustrations. If you have questions, please ask! I enjoy your comments!
Published on
Image description
Be ready for excitement! Allow the vigor of the grapevines to jump out of your brush. Painting grapes in Chinese brush style is about the boldness of the leaves contrasted with the lushness of the fruit. ​You can have fun with the twisting vines. They can go anywhere!
Read my tips on painting grapes, leaves and vines by clicking on "read more".
Watch me paint grapes here
​See more of my grape paintings here
​Purchase my How to Paint Grapes video here
Published on
Image description
This short video demonstrates two styles of Chinese brush painting: outline for the flowers and 'splashing ink' or 'boneless' technique for the leaves.

Tip: This combination is often used for plum and lotus and is particularly useful if you are painting white or light-colored flowers.

I'm using a bunch of brushes in this video, including the 'Happy Dot' for the outline petals, and a small, soft brush for the leaves. The paper is a thin, raw xuan or absorbent rice paper.

Click on the arrow below for the video
Please let me know if you have questions or feedback. I am always happy to answer. Who knows, your comment may inspire another post!
Published on
Image description

Click on the arrow below to watch the video

I am using a small Mountain Horse hair brush and liquid Chinese ink in this quick stroke Chinese brush painting. The paper is semi-sized cotton xuan. Because I am right-handed, it is most comfortable to start my brushstroke from the lower left and move in a clockwise direction. You may find it easier to do it in reverse if you are left-handed.
​You can see more of my rock paintings in my gallery.
Published on
Image description
When you paint plum blossom in Chinese brush style, I bet you usually paint the branches first and then add the flowers. But did you know you can do it the other way round? I'm going to show you step by step how I develop a Chinese brush painting of plum, starting with the blossoms.
Tip:
  • I am using a raw (unsized) single xuan rice paper. Double xuan is fine too.
Published on
Image description


Click on arrow below to watch iris video.
​
​I am using a small soft bristle brush for the flowers and a larger mixed hair brush for the leaves. My colors are Winsor & Newton Violet and Marie's Chinese watercolors. The paper is a thin, raw single xuan rice paper. You can see more of my iris paintings in this gallery.
Chinese brush painting video demonstration of an iris in splashing ink style
​I hope you enjoyed this video. Feel free to ask questions. You may inspire another video!

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!