All of my paintings are painted using Chinese inks on Chinese paper. Although I have experimented using watercolour paper, I feel only the Chinese rice/mulberry papers really give an authentic look feel and indeed experience of Chinese brush painting.
As ever I spend more time practicing the various strokes and testing the water/ink ratio to try to minimise “bleed” and achieve the desired effect. I usually manage to do a completed painting on the second or third attempt.
As to inspiration, I will usually trawl through the net and then try to make my own composition/interpretation, using a variety of strokes, papers, and colours, where appropriate.
As ever I have enjoyed the unit and find all aspects of the discipline in equal turn, relaxing and compelling.
Gwen Mackie
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