GETTING STARTED
When practicing Chinese brush techniques, preparation is vital. It guides your spirit and your body to the experience of painting and connecting with nature. There are two main styles: freestyle (xieyi, literally “writing ideas”), which relies on simplicity, and meticulous (gongbi, “detailed strokes”), which is more precise.
PREPARE YOUR WORK SPACE
If working on a table, clear away unneeded items and keep all painting materials and tools on one side and the paper in front of you. Cover the table with newspaper or position felt under the paper. Then check that you have all the brushes needed, a brush stand, a water dropper, ink sticks, and an ink stone.
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