Dance of the Brush - Asian Brushwork with Pat Marsello (Tuesday through Thursday)

Brushwork is an artform that is ancient in its tradition, beginning with the first use of brushes in China 4000 years ago. From the established artist to the first-time painter, control of the brush is essential, and that control is the focus of this course. This 3-day workshop will concentrate on the three elements of brushwork. The brush is the magician’s wand, and if handled correctly, can create a world out of thin air. The ink is the blood; and holds the possibility of Ch’I yun, or the living spirit of a painting. And the paper is the skin; the texture that accepts the ink and absorbs the energy of the brush. It is the dance between these three, guided by the hand and heart that makes brushwork. Using traditional methods, we will learn how to skillfully control a brush; how to charge, condition and use pressure to learn the five brushstrokes, and how to translate these skills into painting the Three Friends; bamboo, pine and plum. We will also discuss composition, the many shades of grey, dry brush, wet brush, and how to be efficient yet spontaneous with each stroke. The final project is a finished scroll that you will paint.

Please sign up early; class size is limited.

Materials:

Students will need an ink stone, ink stick, and Happy Dot Brush, and these may be purchased directly from Pat for $15 each at the first session if you don’t already have  them.  If you do already have these items, bring them to class with you on the first day. Additionally, on the first day of class Pat will collect a non-refundable materials fee of $20 from each student which includes practice and rice paper and all materials for the scroll.