Taught in Fall 2023 at Joslyn Center Alhambra, this series of Henry's landscape Classes includes eight lessons inspired by master Qi Baishi's landscape painting book: Qi Baishi's Landscape Painting Masterpieces, plus a special project on Bada Sharen's Lotus on a River scroll.
Lesson 1: The Morning Sun over Mountains
Introducing the perspectives of Chinese landscape painting
Exploring Qi Baishi's simplified yet evocative style
Techniques for depicting sunrise and mountains with minimal brushwork
Lesson 2: Crows Returning to Their Birth Trees at Sunset
Understanding composition and mood in twilight scenes
Techniques for painting crows, trees, and atmospheric effects
Lesson 3: Mountain Topography and Layout Design
Introduction to the Four Key Aspects of Mountain Topography
Creating Notan thumbnails for balanced compositions
Transforming traditional cliffs into colorful Hoodoo formations
Seal Script Calligraphy: "月圓石壽" (Moon Full and Stone Longevity)
Lesson 4: Qi Baishi's After-Rain Landscape and Mi-dots Technique
History and contemporary application of Mi-dots
Techniques for depicting rainy or misty landscapes
Layering ink to create depth and atmospheric perspective
Lesson 5: Dwellings in Bamboo Grove
Techniques for integrating architecture and natural elements
Painting bamboo groves with Qi Baishi’s minimalist approach
Using empty space to enhance poetic resonance
Lesson 6: Multnomah Waterfalls - Bridging Tradition and Pop Art
Combining Qi Baishi’s traditional style with contemporary themes
Techniques for painting waterfalls, foliage, and rocks
Experimenting with vibrant colors in traditional landscapes
Lesson 7: Transforming "Banana Trees in Snow" into Holiday Wishes
Depicting snow-covered landscapes with Qi Baishi’s simplicity
Techniques for banana leaves and snowy textures
Infusing traditional landscapes with festive spirit
Lesson 8: A Singular Whiteness above All under Heaven
Study of Qi Baishi’s snowy willow landscape
Techniques for capturing the subtlety of snow and ice
Creating depth and dimension with monochromatic palettes
Lesson 9-1: Lotus and Landscape - Recreating Bada Shanren's Vision of Flowers on a River Scroll with Henry Li
Discussing spirituality in Bada Shanren's Flowers on a River scroll
Symbolism and perspective in Chinese painting
Applying poetic inscriptions to enhance artwork
Lesson 9-2: Henry's Artistic Odyssey: Completing the Bada Shanren's 'Flowers on a River' Scroll Masterpiece
Revisiting key principles: viewable, approachable, livable landscapes
Mastering brush strokes for texture and movement
Combining complementary tones to create contrast
Lesson 9-3: Final Flourishes: Perfecting the Details on Bada Shanren's Scroll Replica
Techniques for painting lotus flowers, rivers, and natural motifs
Understanding the historical and artistic significance of Bada Shanren's style
Unrolling of the newly mounted Henry's copy of Bada Shanren’s iconic handscroll
