NCG logo design by Vicki Brandt
This year, and especially last year, I’ve been trying to do less with more. Less supplies, less fuss, less waste, and less resources. Some of my tools I’ve used once or twice. They sit on my shelf for years like they are on the Island of Misfit Toys. No more!
One day I decided to play with my lonesome 1/4" flat brush and paint in the style of Chinese brush painting. It is fun and challenging to use a tool in a different way than we are accustomed to. I think I purchased this brush for a broad edge brush class many moons ago!
Traditional Chinese brush painting artists seek to capture the spirit of nature. The technique encourages imagination, curiosity, calm, and asks you to paint what you want to see, not what you see. Studying this style has allowed me to find freedom, forgiveness, and playfulness when I paint.
I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you! We will use a flat brush to paint sunflowers inspired by traditional spontaneous-style Chinese brush painting. You will learn about the wide variety of strokes that you can achieve with one flat brush! These sunflowers can be painted quickly and applied to envelopes, cards, stationery, gift tags, table cards, name tags, and the list goes on.
SUPPLIES
One 1/4" flat brush, or whatever size you have
One 4 or 6 round brush
A few sheets of Cold Press or Hot Press Watercolor paper cut to 4x6 inches. If your flat brush is larger than 1/4" increase the size of your paper. A small brush equals smaller paper, a large brush equals larger paper.
Watercolors: tubes or palette, choose your own adventure!
Mixing palette
Dropper bottle
Rinse/water container for brushes
Handkerchief, bandana, an old cotton dress shirt, or a paper towel