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Having developed an extreme case of pandemic boredom, finding nothing on TV that interests me, and being too picky with regard to what I enjoy reading, I decided a new pastime would have to come to light. With an interest in Asian art and décor, some of which I have in my home, I decided to attempt Chinese Brush Painting. It’s going to take a long time to become even slightly proficient, but I’m enjoying the learning experience. Practice, practice, practice is my mode right now. In addition, one of my granddaughters (14 years old in June) seems to have artistic talent so we’ve been exchanging our finished “masterpieces” via text. She’s more into pencil drawings right now and does a wonderful job with faces which I’ve never been able to do. In fact, having this extra avenue to interact with her while I don’t see her in person is a huge bonus.

I’m having a hard time finding decent brushes for this unique style of painting. Right now Michael’s is the only store locally with art supplies and the brushes are just not satisfactory. I’m going to have to find some place that carries good-quality brushes specifically for this type of painting. Here are a few I’ve done in the last few weeks. FYI, the Chinese writing in each is “Sandi” or “Sandy” in Mandarin Chinese.









I have a long way to go, but all I have right now is lots and lots of time.
Sandi

Wow, you are doing a great job! I bought a brush painting kit from Costco a few years ago, but haven't tried it. Wish we were closer I'd let you see if it's brushes would work. Keep up the practice, it's so nice to have that connection with a Grandaughter ! Mine loves to draw too, but she's only 11.
Velda

Very nice.

Beautiful! I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit. I love every one of those.

Sandi, you are a true artist, The pictures are beautiful. So special that you and your granddaughter share this talent.

Sandi, VERY impressive!

Thanks for sharing.

Anne

Beautiful work.

Beautiful. I loved to draw when I was in high school but then life got too busy. I lost all of my drawings when our house flooded.

Martha

Sandi those are really beautiful!! You can order brushes and other art supplies from Utrecht or Dick Blick.

Sandi, they are beautiful!

Redetotry wrote:Sandi those are really beautiful!! You can order brushes and other art supplies from Utrecht or Dick Blick.

Thanks BJ. I ended up ordering a set of 5 assorted natural animal hair brushes of different sizes specifically for Chinese Brush Painting from a company in the UK. I’m sure there are better (more expensive) brushes (i.e., sable), but at this stage I hope these will suffice until I see if I can manage to succeed in learning this art.
Sandi

Sandi I just showed your work to my DH who taught art at the University for many years and he said your work is VERY nice. Keep painting!

These are amazing, Sandi.
I have always admired chinese paintings & writing. You've definitely got a talent for it. How did you get started? a book/ online class ??? Wish my pandemic time had been this productive.
And then there's the added plus that you & your granddaughter have something to share with each other.
Can't wait to see more.
Take care,
Catherine

cnq50b wrote:These are amazing, Sandi.
I have always admired chinese paintings & writing. You've definitely got a talent for it. How did you get started? a book/ online class ??? Wish my pandemic time had been this productive.
Take care,
Catherine

Thanks Catherine. I’ve always been fascinated with Asian art, décor and history. I studied Asian history extensively in college. So I guess that’s what lead to an interest in Chinese Brush Painting. I looked online to get ideas for projects and made some screen shots. Videos are kind of difficult since many are in Chinese or are difficult to understand accented English and don’t provide a lot of information on technique. I tried to watch a video yesterday and the camera was behind the artist causing his head to get in the way and made it impossible to see what he was painting. So I’m just muddling along on my own and enjoying it. It’s all a learning experience and I hope I can improve over time. It’s definitely better than turning into a “vegetable” during the pandemic.
Sandi

beautiful work Sandi
very nice
sheila