China has a long tradition of fine painting, dating as far back as the Neolithic period. By the Tang dynasty (618-907), exquisite and delicate watercolors featuring noble ladies and court life were produced. The tradition of Chinese painting continued to flourish as Imperial Art Academies were created. Subjects of traditional Chinese painting include beautiful women, birds, flowers and landscapes. While watercolor and ink are the most common materials used in Chinese painting, Western influences have also brought oil painting to modern China.
Xieyi Style
Xieyi style Chinese painting uses broad, expressionistic strokes of ink applied to paper, typically raw rice paper. This style is also referred to as "freehand" Chinese painting. Xieyi literally means "writing the meaning down" and the artists were typically scholars. Paintings are created in a single sitting and the artist is focused on expressing the Qi or vital spirit of the painting. The paper represents yin and the brushstrokes yang for the artist. Landscapes, human figures and flora and fauna are typical subjects of Xieyi painting.
Gong Pi Painting
Gong Pi or "meticulous" painting uses fine and delicate brushstrokes and is most often worked on silk, but may also use baked rice paper. Shading can be achieved through light ink washes or application of color. Color is applied not to create a naturalistic image, but rather in a symbolic fashion. The image is not a meditative tool or expression of Qi, but rather a portrayal of beauty as seen by the painter. This painting style was most commonly limited to professional painters and eventually largely gave way to Xieyi painting.
Materials
The most critical element in any Chinese painting is the brush. Different brushes are designed for specific styles and subjects. These may be made of goat, deer, weasel, fox or pig hair. All use bamboo handles. The size and weight of each brush may vary. An ink stick is ground on an ink stone and this is mixed with water to produce the ink used for Chinese painting. Silk and rice paper are commonly used in Chinese painting. Mineral pigments and dilute ink washes may be used to add shading and color to the painting.
