Title: The Fire Horse and the White Stallion (丙午大吉) Artist: Henry Li
Year: 2026
Medium: Traditional Ink and Watercolor on Double-Weight Xuan Paper
Dimensions: 14" x 18" (35.5 cm x 45.5 cm)
Curatorial Statement
In this masterful Xieyi (Spontaneous Style) demonstration piece, Henry Li explores the duality of spirit through a dynamic pairing of two horses.
The composition is dominated by a powerful red chestnut horse, representing the "Fire" energy of the 2026 Bing Wu (丙午) year. Its head is held high, mane flowing with an untamed, kinetic energy. In stark contrast, a serene white horse appears on the left, partially veiled by the gnarled branches of a winter plum tree. While the red horse represents outward ambition and passion, the white horse symbolizes a quiet, grounded strength and inner peace.
The foreground is defined by the calligraphic "bones" of an Ancient Plum Tree. The vibrant vermilion blossoms are among the first to bloom in the snow, serving as a classic Chinese symbol of resilience and the promise of spring. The interplay between the bold ink strokes of the branches and the ethereal washes of the horses creates a "Zen" harmony that is a hallmark of the Blue Heron Arts aesthetic.
The inscription "丙午大吉" (Great Fortune for the Bing Wu Year) makes this an ideal centerpiece for the 2026 Lunar New Year.
A Thank-You Gift
This original demonstration piece is available as a Thank-You gift for your order of $168 BHA art supplies or Classes.
Note: As a demonstration piece, this work carries the unique provenance of being the actual painting used to instruct hundreds of students worldwide in the "Zen" of Chinese brushwork.
