Discover the elegance of Chinese brush painting in this hands-on beginners course in Sydney. Rooted deeply in Chinese culture and history, this traditional art form merges calligraphy and painting using ink and brush.

You will explore the Four Gentlemen (Four Noble Ones) in Chinese plant painting: Plum Blossom (Winter), Orchid (Spring), Bamboo (Summer), and Chrysanthemum (Autumn). Each plant symbolises a season and teaches you how to capture seasonal essence and expressive brushwork in your art.

Your tutor will guide you through essential techniques including brush control, calligraphy skills, and ink and water management. Using sample artworks for inspiration, you’ll build confidence creating your own expressive compositions that combine painting and calligraphy.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the history and symbolism of classical Chinese painting, including the Four Gentlemen.
• Control ink and water to create light, shade and tonal variation.
• Create a finished artwork combining brush techniques and calligraphy.

Course Content

• Brush handling and calligraphy techniques for expressive strokes.
• Ink and water control to achieve balance, shading and texture.
• Painting bamboo stems, branches and leaves, progressing to complete compositions.

Course Schedule & Pricing

• 6-week course, 6:30pm–8:30pm.
• Location: 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039.
• Course fee: $449.

Materials & Requirements

• Brushes, ink and Chinese paper are provided.
• If bringing your own: medium and small brown hair brushes, Chinese paper, and Chinese ink.
• Closed-in shoes required; wear old clothes or bring an apron. Long hair must be tied back.