In order to grasp the essence of Chinese painting, the first step for you to do is to learn to hold your paint brush correctly. In learning Chinese painting, you will face several types of paint brushes. There are two main ways for you to handle them correctly.
In order to grasp the essence of
Chinese painting, the first step for you to do is to learn to hold your
paint brush correctly. In
learning Chinese painting, you will face several types of paint brushes. There are two main ways for you to handle them correctly.
Wrap your hand around it
This way of holding a brush will probably feel strange at first, but it encourages you to use your whole arm to paint, not just your wrist and hand. Turn your hand palm up, rest the paint brush handle across your fingers, from where the little finger starts to the first knuckle in your forefinger, then wrap your fingers and thumb around the handle. Paint energetically, moving your arm and shoulder, not just your wrist.
Also consider: How far down the handle you are holding the brush. Don't strangle it! Experiment with moving your hand further down the handle, all the way to the end, making a note of the results. Buy a long-handled brush and work at arm's length from your canvas.
Like a pencil
When you pick up an artist's paint brush for the first time, chances are you'll hold it in your hand in the same way you would a pencil or pen, with your fingers close to the ferrule. If you never hold a brush in any other way, you'll be limiting the range of marks you create with a brush.
This is the most instinctive way to hold a brush, as it gives us a familiar sense of control. Using your wrist to move a brush held this way provides fine control, suitable for making precise marks. For even greater control, rest the side of your hand or your little finger on the canvas (protect your work by putting a sheet of paper under your hand if necessary). For more flowing marks, use your whole arm not just your wrist.