Master Study: Eagle & Birds of Prey in Ink and Watercolor (10-Week Course)
Instructor: Henry Li Term: Summer 2026
One Registration, Total Flexibility. Join Henry Li for a deep dive into the powerful spirit of the sky's greatest hunters. In this specialized series, we will let our brushes soar and capture the majesty of the eagle, the silent flight of the owl, and the dynamic plunge of the fish eagle. Rather than focusing on rigid details, we will study how past masters—from Bada Shanren to Qi Baishi—captured the very soul and fierce vitality of these magnificent birds.
Class Format: Dual-Track Enrollment We have simplified our registration process. When you sign up for this course, you are automatically enrolled in BOTH our Monday evening and Wednesday morning tracks!
Monday Evening Track (10 Weeks): July 6 – September 14, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM PST. Henry will broadcast live from a hybrid in-person classroom at the Joslyn Center.
Wednesday Morning Track (9 Weeks): July 8 – September 3, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST. (Online via Zoom).
(Note: For the 9-week Wednesday session, Weeks 9 and 10 of the curriculum will be combined into a single final composition class).
Class Recordings: Can’t make either time? You will receive unlimited access to both class recordings to watch at your own pace.
How to Register
Tuition Options:
$140.00 (Live Zoom + Recordings): Select this option if you plan to attend the live sessions. We will provide you with Zoom access for both Monday and Wednesday, so you can decide which schedule is most suitable for you week by week.
$138.00 (Recordings Only): Select this option if you prefer to watch on your own schedule. You will receive unlimited access to the high-definition recordings of both the Monday and Wednesday classes.
What is Included: Both options include the full course curriculum, dual-access to both class tracks, unlimited access to HD Recordings, and personal email critiques from Henry.
Simple One-Step Enrollment: You do not need to select a specific day or time zone at checkout! You can attend on Monday for the hands-on hybrid experience, or Wednesday for the daytime session—or both. Upon registration, you will receive two Zoom access passes (one for Monday and one for Wednesday) and the class recording links for both sessions.
(Note for In-Person Students: If you plan to attend physically at the Joslyn Center in Alhambra, CA, please do not register on this page. Click Here to Register via the Joslyn Center. In-person students automatically receive full online access as well.)
Class Plan: Eagle & Birds of Prey (Simplified Syllabus | Subject to minor changes)
Week 1: The Sovereign at Rest (Eagle on Rock) – Form, weight, and foundational energy.
Week 2: The Spirit of Flight (Flying Eagle) – Dynamic motion and wingspan.
Week 3: Strength and Endurance (Eagle on Pine) – Classic composition and balance.
Week 4: Atmospheric Horizons (Eagle in Landscape) – Spatial depth and environmental integration.
Week 5: The Dynamic Plunge (Fish Eagle / 鱼鹰) – Action, tension, and water.
Week 6: The Silent Watcher (Owl on Branch) – Soft textures and resting posture.
Week 7: Nocturnal Energy (Owl in Moon-lit Night) – Night scenes and atmospheric washes.
Week 8: Swift Vitality (Falcons or Hawks) – Sleek lines and aerodynamic forms.
Week 9: The Entropy of Plumage – Pure brush expression and color fusion.
Week 10: The Final Masterpiece – Bringing spirit, weight, and atmosphere together.
Materials & Supplies
Paper: Raw or unsized single or double Xuan paper. (Provides the best responsiveness for heavy ink splashes and natural color entropy).
Brushes: * Large soft brush (such as BHA Super Wash) for bold washes.
Versatile combination brushes (BHA Combination) for transitioning between sweeping wing strokes and sharp talons/beaks.
Colors: Marie's Chinese painting colors or high-quality Western watercolors (for fusion color mixing directly on the brush).
Ink: Liquid Chinese/Japanese black ink.
