Fall 2026: Painting the Panda and Bamboo Forest in Ink and Watercolor with Henry Li
One Registration, Total Flexibility. Join Henry Li this fall for a playful and expressive journey into the world of the giant panda and its bamboo forest. We will explore the panda’s bold black-and-white design, expressive ink techniques, and the styles of modern Chinese masters such as Wu Zuoren and Liu Jiyou. Along the way, we will also paint Taiji pandas, pandas in snow, koalas, polar bears, black bears, brown bears, and even the teddy bear.
Class Format: Dual-Track Enrollment
When you register for this course, you are automatically enrolled in BOTH our Monday evening and Wednesday morning tracks. Attend whichever live class best fits your schedule—or join both whenever you wish.
Monday Evening Track: October 5 – December 14, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM PST
Choose the option that best fits your lifestyle—join us in person at the Joslyn Center, Alhambra, participate live via Zoom, or study at your own pace with on-demand (recordings).
Wednesday Morning Track: October 7 – December 16, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST / 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST
Online via Zoom.
Because the two tracks meet on different days, demonstrations and class discussions may vary slightly. Students are welcome to attend either—or both—and benefit from the different examples presented in each session.
Class Recordings: Can’t make either time? Your registration includes unlimited access to the recordings from both Monday and Wednesday classes, so you can review demonstrations or paint along at your own pace.
Tentative Class Plan
| Week 1 |
The Gentle Giant — Giant Panda
Black-and-white pattern, Gestalt principles of visual design, and expressive ink.
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| Week 2 |
Mother and Cub — After Wu Zuoren
Tenderness, interaction, and a simple bamboo composition.
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| Week 3 |
The Playful Panda — After Liu Jiyou
Gesture, personality, and lively movement.
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| Week 4 |
Panda in the Bamboo Forest
Panda, bamboo, rocks, trees, and the feeling of a natural habitat.
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| Week 5 |
Taiji Panda
Movement, balance, black and white, and the visual spirit of Yin and Yang.
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| Week 6 |
The Koala — A Different Kind of Cuddly
Soft form, texture, eucalyptus branches, and character in ink and watercolor.
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| Week 7 |
Polar Bear — Painting White with Empty Space
Subtle ink washes, negative space, and the suggestion of snow and ice.
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| Week 8 |
American Bears — Black Bear and Brown Bear
Weight, posture, fur, and the powerful forms of North American bears.
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| Week 9 |
The Teddy Bear
A playful study of softness, personality, memory, and simplified form.
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| Week 10 |
Panda in the Snow
A festive winter theme with panda, bamboo, snow, and atmospheric ink washes.
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| Week 11 |
Panda and Goat on Greeting Cards
Paint festive holiday and New Year greeting cards to share with family and friends.
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Class subjects and sequence are tentative and may be adjusted as the course develops.
Chinese Brush Painting Supplies Checklist:
3-5 Chinese Painting Brushes: Begin with a basic set of a soft brush, a stiff brush, and a small detail brush. Explore a diverse selection here.
Sumi Ink: Opt for bottled liquid ink or ink cake for convenience. Traditionalists may prefer an inkstick and inkstone, available here.
Rice Paper: We recommend unsized or semi-sized Xuan rice paper for flowers and birds painting, and mulberry papers for landscape, available here.
Watercolor Paints: Marie's Chinese painting watercolors or traditional color chips can be found here. Artist quality watercolor or gouache is also suitable.
A Palette and Two White Ceramic Saucers: Essential for mixing and holding your paints.
2 Water Containers: For rinsing brushes and clean water.
Felt Pad: Opt for white or light-colored synthetic or wool felt pad. Available here.
Paper Towel or Hand Tissue: For blotting and drying brushes.
Brush Rest: Preserve your brushes and keep your workspace tidy. Find options here.
Paper Weights: Secure your rice paper in place while painting. A variety of options are available here.
Seal and Red Ink Paste (optional): Start with your initials and consider ordering a personalized Chinese name seal from me later.
Student Value Package:
For your convenience, a curated student value package with all essentials is available here.
About the Course
This class is suitable for students who have some experience with Chinese brush painting as well as adventurous beginners.
Our emphasis is not on detailed realistic rendering, but on learning to observe, simplify, design, and express. Through ink, watercolor, brush rhythm, and empty space, we will look for the character and living spirit of each animal while gradually developing more complete compositions.
Join us this fall for a warm, playful, and expressive journey through the world of the panda and bears.
