Chinese painting can be compared to modern day watercolor painting. This is because the ink used in Chinese painting is typically mixed with water, which will give the painting a watercolor feel. The main difference between the two styles is the way you hold your brush. Mastering the way you hold your brush is the first step toward painting in the Chinese method.
Correct Paper
When you are looking for the right paper, you will want something a little more absorbent to practice on. This is because it will keep the ink right where you painted it and will dry much faster. This paper is lighter weight and can be found in large newsprint paper books. Less absorbent paper will keep the ink on top of the paper until it dries. This will give a darker color, yet is much easier to smear. You may, however, want to experiment with the paper as you begin to paint. Different papers will react differently to the water, and some may give a look which is more pleasing to you.
Water and Ink
The more water you use with your ink, the lighter the ink will appear on the paper. If you want a light wash of ink across a large area of your paper, dip the brush into the water and allow it to absorb the water. Remove the brush and dip it into the ink. This will draw in a smaller amount of ink because the brush is already full of water. For darker, more vibrant colors use less water. Not using any water will give a bold color, however it will not spread like traditional water color, nor will it be as forgiving.
Brush Stroke
Hold your brush straight into the air. You want it to be perfectly perpendicular to the paper when you are painting. To do this, create an open fist and slide your brush through the index and thumb. These will be the main fingers which hold the brush. Rest your middle and ring finger against the brush as well. With the larger paintings, keep your grip in the middle of the brush handle. This will allow you a loose grip and more freedom while maneuvering the brush. For smaller paintings, rest your wrist on the table. This is because you will need to be far more accurate.
Painting
When painting, always add the lighter color first. This is due to the paint being ink. The lighter ink will now show up over the dark colors. Paint all the lighter objects in your painting first, than go into detail with the darker ink. You may also want the light ink to dry first. If the light ink is still wet, the darker ink will begin to bleed into it.
