Class Description

In this class, we will explore and learn the basic techniques of near-modern ink and watercolor painting in a spontaneous manner. The emphasis will be basic usage of the brush and ink and the interaction with water, rice paper and small amounts of color. The goal is to understand and to paint minimalistic aquatic creatures with loose and lively brushwork, spaces, values and movement. The subjects will be fish, crab and shrimp, as they are very popular painting subjects in the fall, especially favored around the autumn festival. They may be surrounding elements such as paints and still life objects that enhance the atmosphere of the painting as backdrop. We will reference works of a modern master, both artistic style, techniques, and artist expression as well as philosophy. I will use samples to demonstrate and engage the students to understand the nature and process of the painting. Our main focus will be the aquatic animals and the methods used to create each and as unified composition. These are individual classes and last for 2 to 2-1/2 hours. I combine talking and demo for 20 minutes, and the learners will be spending the remaining time of about 1- 1/2 to 2 hours to practice and create the artwork while we communicate about the painting process. Materials will be provided during the class: Paint Raw Rice paper Pencil Chinese brushes Ink Felt Watercolor supplies will be provided Instructor Julia Z. Wang is a passionate artist whose subjects are depictions of the tranquil and peaceful nature of subjects. Her work focuses on two styles, that of realism and abstract. Her favorite subjects are portraits, figurative art and still life. The primary medium of oil and traditional drawing. Having been involved in the arts at a young age, Julia started to learn the traditional art of Chinese meticulous paint in her hometown of Beijing at age eight. Later took many classes in the US, including art rooted in the European an East Asian traditions. Her media includes drawing, oil, watercolor, Asian meticulous and expressionistic ink painting. After having choosing architecture as a profession and years of career life, she felt it is important to continue visual art as an aspiration. In recent years, Julia has joined the Palette and Chisel Academy of Chicago and has devoted time as a visual artist. She has studied under well-known and influential contemporary artists. Her style is that of realism, using methods of the classical Dutch.