From the sharp focus of a perched hawk to the sweeping ink-washes of an eagle in flight, discover how to capture the 'Heroic Spirit' of birds of prey. This course blends the traditional Chinese approach with the rhythmic landscapes of the masters, turning every stroke into a testament of power and poise.

Explore the commanding beauty of the sky’s most majestic predators. This two-day course invites you to capture the ‘Heroic Spirit’ (Yingxiong) of birds of prey using the timeless techniques of Chinese ink and brush. Whether you are fascinated by the explosive energy of a hawk in flight or the quiet, piercing intensity of an eagle at rest, this workshop provides the structural ‘bone-work’ and philosophical depth to bring these subjects to life.

Day 1: The Gaze, the Beak, and the Bone
The first day focuses on the ‘Life-Opening’ (Kaidian) of the bird. In Chinese tradition, the spirit of the bird resides in its eyes and its structural integrity. We will deconstruct the anatomy of raptors using calligraphic principles, focusing on the strength of the ‘iron-wire’ line.

• The Heroic Profile: Mastering the sharp, decisive strokes required for the hooked beak and the intense, focused gaze
• The Power of the Grip: Learning to paint the ‘bone’ of the talons - understanding how they wrap around a branch with weight and intent
• Fundamental Techniques: An introduction to ‘broken ink’ (Po Mo) to suggest the varied textures of plumage, from downy chests to rugged wing coverts.

• Flight and Movement: Utilizing ‘Flying White’ (Fei Bai) and sweeping brush movements to capture the aerodynamics of wings in motion
• The Classical Setting: We will learn to paint gnarled pine branches - symbols of resilience - and rugged mountain crags that provide a stage for our subject
• The Final Composition: Students will be guided through the creation of a complete scroll-style painting, balancing the ‘Solid’ (the bird) with the ‘Void’ (the vast sky)

Teaching Philosophy
Paul utilizes a step-by-step approach rooted in almost 30 years of training. By observing live demonstrations and practicing the calligraphic ‘scripts’ that form the basis of every stroke, students will learn to look past the surface of the bird to find its inner vitality. You will leave with a completed work of art and a deeper understanding of how the ‘Great Masters’ used ink to command their paper.

• The Anatomy of Power: Deconstructing the skeletal structure of raptors, focusing on the ‘bone-work’ of the beak, eyes, and talons
• Feather and Flight: Techniques for ‘broken ink’ (Po Mo) to create the illusion of layered feathers and the aerodynamic blur of wings in motion
• The Perch and the Peak: Painting weathered pine branches and jagged rocks to provide a narrative and structural anchor for your birds
• Negative Space and Atmosphere: Using the ‘Void’ to suggest the vastness of the sky and the heights at which these birds dwell
• The 'Heroic' Composition: Understanding the symbolic placement of birds of prey in Chinese art history, moving from sketch to a finished masterwork.

Essential: Sketch pad, notepad, Standard Chinese Brush Painting kit (Chinese brushes, ink stick & ink stone and/or bottled ink, un-sized or semi-sized papers). A felt mat is really helpful to lay your paper on, however, newspaper will do. Dark clothing is preferable (and certainly no silk clothes) as Chinese ink can stain permanently

Desirable: Pictures of your own work and/or artists work that inspires you and/or you would like to move toward, Camera, Chinese colours, Tablet computer/Smartphone

Chinese paper, Chinese brushes, Chinese ink, Chinese colours

Paul Maslowski

Paul is a distinguished practitioner of Chinese Brush Painting with a career spanning nearly three decades of immersive study in the UK, China, and Taiwan. His work is a bridge between the rigorous classical traditions of the East and the evolving contemporary expressions of the medium.
Having exhibited with international acclaim - most notably in Taiwan, a global hub for fine ink-wash art - Paul brings a rare, cross-cultural perspective to his teaching. His pedagogy is rooted in the ‘Six Principles of Chinese Painting’, focusing on the vital energy (Qi) and calligraphic ‘bone’ that define the genre.
A seasoned educator who teaches across England, Paul is dedicated to deconstructing this sophisticated art form into accessible, actionable techniques, allowing students to discover the meditative power of the Chinese brush.
https://doublehappinessmh.com/about/paul/