Different from the western style paintbrush, bamboo brushes are made of wolf's hair or sheep's hair rather than horse hair or synthetic bristles. The dark brown bristles of the wolf's hair bamboo brushes are stiff, creating clean lines. The sheep's hair brushes are lighter in color, softer and more absorbent. These are better for shading and painting larger areas. Along with the difference in the actual brush, the technique for bamboo brushes is an ancient art form, different from western painting techniques.
Pour Chinese ink into a dish and set it on your workspace.
Dip the bamboo brush into the ink and brush it onto a sheet of scrap paper.
Practice using the two-finger hold to add loose strokes to the page. Use your index finger and thumb to pinch the brush handle at about the center.
Practice strokes with a three-finger hold. To do this, place your index finger and middle finger on one side of the brush, with your thumb on the opposite side halfway between the other two fingers to balance it in your hand.
Explore the five-finger hold by placing your fingers the same way as the three-finger hold with your ring finger and pinkie pressed toward the brush to stabilize it.
Lay the brush bristles flat onto the paper and drag the brush sideways to create thick, shaded lines. Use the tip of the brush to add detail and thin lines.
Practice all three strokes until you find a comfortable way to hold the brush and are confident with your technique.
Paint the ink onto the rice paper using the strokes you practiced.
