This course will introduce the art of Chinese Brush Painting to those who have not explored this medium before as well as building more in-depth knowledge for those already studying and who wish to focus on Chinese Brush Painting in more detail.
Over the course of the weekend we will explore plum blossom, Chinese cranes and bamboo along with other subjects which link with Chinese New Year, the central colour of which is the colour red. Working on the principles of the subjects will give us the opportunity to explore them while learning a host of brush techniques which can be applied to other subjects.
The days begin traditionally with 20 minutes of optional qigong (gentle breathing exercises to settle the mind). Teaching is carried out with a step-by-step approach where the fundamentals of a subject are fully explained. This will include the Calligraphic basis for individual strokes. Students are encouraged to work from sketches of subjects and to use these observations in their own compositions.
Students will come to understand the essence of subjects in Chinese Brush Painting through tutor demonstrations, and by observation and practice. You leave understanding how to complete a Chinese Brush Painting.

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: Camera, Chinese colours, Tablet computer/Smartphone, pictures of your own work and/or work you would like to move toward.

Chinese paper; Chinese Ink; Chinese Brushes; 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/