The past and present popularity of Chinese art as a global cultural movement is evident. The traditional art of Chinese brush painting has developed and evolved since its origins from around 4,000 B.C. Although the subject matter varies at times, works may generally be classified into three main genres, all permeated with the imagination and soul of the artist. These genres are figures, landscapes and flower-and-bird painting.
Figure Painting
Artists who dealt with figure painting often included scenes and tales of common people and everyday life in their work. Other popular images incorporated were those of historical characters, emperors and court ladies. According to Chinese Paintings Expo, figure paintings became quite famous in the Chinese royal court and were famed for their portrayal of elegance and the realistic nature of their representation.
Landscape Painting
Asia-art.net states that landscape painting was a well-known mode of artistic expression by the 4th Century and over the years, developed into two distinct styles; blue-and-green landscapes and ink-wash landscapes. Asia-art.net goes further to state that bright blue, green and red hues were used in the blue-and-green landscape. The ink-and-wash technique made use of varying amounts of the strength of ink and dramatic brushwork in order to capture the artist’s feelings and uniqueness as well as his perception of nature. This popular style of brush painting was evidence of people’s appreciation of the beauty and simplicity of nature. According to Travel China Guide, the earliest recorded landscape painting was created by Zhan Ziqian of the Sui Dynasty. It was entitled “Spring Outing,” and depicted a spring scene with people going about well-liked activities such as horse riding and boating, set on the backdrop of a waterfall and distant mountains.
Flower-and-bird Painting
According to Travel China Guide, the genre was inspired by the ornamental patterns that were engraved on bronze ware and pottery by early Chinese artists. The subject matter dealt with in the flower-and-bird genre included an extensive mixture of insects, stones, fish, fruits, and of course a variety of birds and flowers. Among the paintings produced were images of chrysanthemums, cypresses, orchids and bamboo--all infused with the character and ideas of the artist.
