Flowering Quince Gongbi Workshop
Iron Bones Give Rise to Spring
Instructor: Victoria
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:30 PM (PT)
Live on Zoom · HD replay with unlimited access · Beginner–Advanced
Four-character title for your calligraphic inscription: 铁骨生春 — "Iron Bones Give Rise to Spring."
Why Flowering Quince?
The Flowering Quince is one of the most spirited and poetic subjects in classical Chinese botanical painting. With its gnarled, ink-dark branches and brilliant vermilion blossoms, it embodies a timeless paradox — strength and tenderness, winter's end and spring's arrival. Its rugged, thorny branches yield the most tender and brilliant blooms, making it a deeply meaningful and visually dramatic subject for gongbi painting, where careful line work and layered color reveal both power and grace.
What You'll Learn
- A clear gongbi workflow: light outline → clean ink lines → soft base color → transparent layered washes for depth → crisp finishing details.
- Petal structure: how to paint the quince's rounded five-petal blossoms, overlapping forms, and subtle shifts in vermilion and rouge without losing clarity.
- Buds and young leaves: cool teal-green leaves, tight buds, and delicate stems that bring rhythm and freshness to the composition.
- Color plan: luminous red florals set against soft greens, with attention to keeping the painting harmonious, jewel-like, and refined.
- Branch texture: rendering the mottled, lichen-spotted quince branch — the "iron stem" that anchors the whole composition with character and energy.
- Composition: arranging the main branch with supporting blossoms and buds, while preserving space for inscription and seal placement.
Supplies (use what you have — or order from us)
Paper: fully sized (non-absorbent) rice/Xuan paper — two sheets, 13.5" × 9".
Cicada-wing Xuan (recommended) for sharper outlines and finer gradations.
Brushes: one or two sharp, firm liner brushes for outlines; two medium soft brushes for shading.
Seven-Wolf-Three-Sheep Brush · BHA Gongbi Liner Brush · Essential Three Brushes
Ink & Colors:
Marie's 12 Color Tubes or 12 Color Cakes;
Liquid Sumi Ink
Extras: palette, paper towels/cloth, A4 LED lightbox (optional)
Before Class
The detailed class handout will be emailed the weekend before the session.
Print out the outline template included in the handout for tracing.
After Class
You'll receive the HD recording, demo images, and a quick recap.
Students may email a photo of their work for personalized post-class feedback (composition, inscription/seal placement).
