Chinese Brush Painting: Freehand Flowers
Tutor: William CaiCourse Code: 3225-32

Summary

Through face to face instruction and with demonstrations, this course will study the characteristics of Chinese painting around the subject of freehand flowers. Learning content will include: how to use the Chinese brush; how to draw beautiful brush strokes, and the requirements of drawing line. We will also look at how to use the brush with the special techniques required for painting Chinese colour.

Description

In Chinese brush painting, flowers represent themes and meanings. Plum blossom represents the strong, the tough, defying cold, nobility and fragrance, whereas peonies represent the stately, the gorgeous, grace, wealth and temperament.  This course will guide you through the techniques needed to paint freehand flowers such as plum blossom and peonies with colour and in context.

Please bring with you

  • Large, medium and small Chinese brushes (at least one of each)
  • A Bottle of Chinese Ink
  • A box of Chinese colour (or, Gamboge, Indigo, Burnt Sienna, Vermillion Carmine, Rouge tint and White colours, each one PCS)
  • Some rice paper (Xuan paper)
  • Felt or old blanket (about 1m2)
  • 2 or 3 white dishes to be used as palettes

The following items can be purchased from your tutor

The tutor will have some materials available for purchase if required:
Ink: a bottle for £4;
Chinese colour: each tube of 12ml for £1; a set of 12 colours for £8.00;
Chinese brushes different size from £2 - £10;
Rice paper (70cm x 135cm) for £1.50.
 

Level

Suitable for all levels

Course Location

Missenden Abbey
Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP16 0BD

Tutor

William Cai

William CaiWilliam (Wei Min) is a veteran Chinese painting and calligraphy teacher. He has taught Chinese calligraphy and painting in the UK for more than 30 years.
William has taught and worked at the British Museum, the Westminster Library, the National Gallery, the Princes Foundation Art School, and many other art associations including painting and engraving seals at the V&A.
He is very experienced at Chinese landscape paintings, flower and bird paintings, meticulous paintings, and freehand paintings, especially in traditional styles.
He believes that doing Chinese painting and calligraphy can make people happy. In the process of painting, you can cultivate your body and mind.
www.oriental-gallery.co.uk
 
7th to 8th Aug 2025
Thursday to Friday
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Timetable

Thursday
9.15amStudents arrive (coffee available)
9.30amTeaching session
12.45-1.45Lunch for all
1.45-5pmTeaching session
6.45 for 7pmDinner for residents
Friday
7-9.00amBreakfast for residents
9.30amTeaching session
12.45-1.45Lunch for all
1.45-5pmLast teaching session
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"The course was wonderful." (Summer School 2019)

"Another great workshop with William.  There is a lot to learn and it's fun!  William is very skilful and knowledgeable." (Summer School 2019)

"Williams information was very helpful with the most enjoyable subjects to paint" (March 2020)

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For Chinese Brush Painting: Freehand Flowers on 7th to 8th Aug 2025