Traditional Chinese brush painting artwork featuring seasonal flora

Chinese Brush Painting for Beginners


Discover the elegance of Chinese brush painting in this beginner course that blends calligraphy and painting with ink and brush. Steeped in culture, you'll explore the Four Gentlemen of Chinese plant art—Plum Blossom (Winter), Orchid (Spring), Bamboo (Summer), and Chrysanthemum (Autumn). These plants not only represent the seasons but also offer an inspiring pathway to artistic expression.

Guided by an experienced tutor, you'll learn essential skills like brush control, ink and water management, and classical calligraphy techniques to craft delicate brush artworks. Whether you're completely new to painting or have prior experience, this course is a rewarding way to immerse yourself in an intrinsic part of Chinese heritage.

Course Outline

  • Brush control and mastering Chinese calligraphy strokes
  • Ink and water management to create tonal depth
  • Techniques for painting bamboo stems, branches, and leaves
  • Compositional skills including combining multiple floral elements
  • Practice via replicating a sample bamboo artwork

Schedule & Pricing

  • Session dates: 6-week courses beginning 5 March, 13 August, or 29 October 2026
  • Class time: Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Location: 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
  • Fee: $449

Course Materials

  • Brushes, ink, and Chinese paper are provided
  • If bringing your own, you’ll need: medium and small brown-hair brushes, Chinese paper, and Chinese ink

Additional Information

  • Wear closed-in shoes and old clothes or apron
  • Long hair should be tied back for safety

Details
2 hours

You will learn

  • Understand the symbolism in classical Chinese flora painting
  • Master brush control and ink-water techniques
  • Create artworks incorporating calligraphy and brush techniques

You will get

  • Personal guidance from an expert tutor
  • Hands-on practice reproducing seasonal-themed artworks
  • Use of art materials including Chinese ink and paper

Appropriate for

Beginners, calligraphy enthusiasts, and artists interested in exploring a new art style


Preparation

What to bring

  • Medium and small brown-hair brushes
  • Chinese paper (roll or pad)
  • Chinese ink (optional if bringing own materials)

What to wear

Casual, old clothes or apron recommended


Your Teacher
Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors

The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.

We do this by:

  • Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
  • Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
  • Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
  • Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
  • Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.

Terms & Conditions

At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.  

At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably.  Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:

Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

 Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued.  If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.

Have more questions about this class?

Tags:

Your Next Adventure Starts Here

Join thousands of learners exploring new skills and passions. Whether online or in person, our classes are designed to inspire, connect, and bring joy to learning. Start your journey today!

Explore classes
Your Next Adventure Starts Here