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Fiona Sheng @ InkDifferent Studio

Welcome to Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken, a journey into the graceful and symbolic world of traditional Chinese brush painting. This course is designed to immerse you in both the artistic and cultural significance of chickens in Chinese art, while providing a meditative and creative space to explore the beauty of this timeless painting style.

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Welcome to Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken, a journey into the graceful and symbolic world of traditional Chinese brush painting. This course is designed to immerse you in both the artistic and cultural significance of chickens in Chinese art, while providing a meditative and creative space to explore the beauty of this timeless painting style.

In this course, I would like to invite you to immerse yourself in the elegance and tranquility of Chinese freehand painting (xieyi) as we explore the fascinating world of chickens, a cherished symbol in Chinese culture. In Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken, you’ll learn to paint captivating renditions of chickens in their various forms—rooster, hen, chicks, and the magnificent golden pheasant—while understanding the deeper meanings they carry in Chinese symbolism.

  • Part 1: Introduction

  • Part 2: Painting Preparation

  • Part 3: Chicken in Oriental Art & Culture

  • Part 4: Painting Techniques

  • Part 5: Practical Painting Projects

By the end of this course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of Chinese freehand painting techniques and completed three unique pieces that showcase the symbolic beauty of chickens in Chinese art. More importantly, you will have experienced the calming, meditative rhythm of this traditional painting style, which allows for both creativity and relaxation.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn about the chicken in chinese culture.
  • Learn about the structure of chicks, roosters, hens and golden pheasant and how to paint them.
  • Learn to paint nice backgrounds for the painting projects.
  • Learn to paint three projects that involve chicks, roosters, hens and golden pheasant.

Syllabus

Introduction

In the introduction you will learn about the general intro of Oriental art, and the structure and objective of this course.

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Here you will find out about all the materials needed.

In this section you will learn about the key role that chicken plays in the oriental culture.

In this section you will learn to paint every single aspect of chicken.

In this section you will learn to paint a few useful flowers and insects for our painting projects and any other future use!

In this project we will focus on the rooster and hen, and some morning glories!

In this painting project we will focus on a black hen and some playful chics with grapes in the background.

In this final project we will paint a golden pheasant and some beautiful Chinese trumpet creepers.

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Career center

Learners who complete Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fine Artist
A Fine Artist creates original works of art, often specializing in a particular medium or style to express personal vision. This course, "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken," helps build a foundation in traditional Chinese brush painting, specifically the freehand (xieyi) style, which is a distinct and respected art form. Learners immerse themselves in painting techniques for subjects like roosters, hens, chicks, and golden pheasants, alongside backgrounds such as morning glories and Chinese trumpet creepers. This training directly translates into creating original pieces, mastering brushwork, composition, and understanding the rich Chinese symbolism, vitally enriching a Fine Artist's thematic depth and unique portfolio.
Art Instructor
An Art Instructor guides students in developing their artistic abilities, often specializing in specific techniques or cultural art forms. For an Art Instructor focused on traditional methods, this course offers in-depth knowledge of Chinese brush painting, particularly the freehand (xieyi) style. The syllabus covers detailed painting preparation, specific techniques for capturing every aspect of chickens, golden pheasants, and accompanying flora like grapes and insects. This course also provides valuable insight into the cultural and symbolic significance of these subjects in Chinese art, equipping a future Art Instructor to effectively convey both practical skills and deeper meanings to their students.
Cultural Heritage Specialist
A Cultural Heritage Specialist works to preserve, interpret, and promote cultural artifacts and traditions for public understanding and appreciation. This course provides an immersive understanding of the artistic and cultural significance of chickens in Chinese art, including their deeper meanings in symbolism. The 'Introduction' section covers general Oriental art, and 'Chicken in Oriental Art & Culture' directly addresses the cultural context and importance. A foundational knowledge of specific art forms like Chinese freehand painting (xieyi) and its unique subjects, such as the golden pheasant, helps a Cultural Heritage Specialist appreciate artistic expressions as vital components of cultural legacy. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates images for various media like books, magazines, or digital platforms, often conveying specific messages or enhancing narratives visually. The detailed study of traditional Chinese brush painting in "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" provides a unique and distinctive artistic style. An Illustrator may find this course helpful for developing a niche in culturally inspired or nature-themed illustrations. Learning to paint various forms of chickens, golden pheasants, and accompanying flora with freehand (xieyi) techniques offers a specialized visual language that could be applied to children's books, cultural publications, or design projects seeking an elegant, hand-painted aesthetic with rich symbolism.
Museum curator
A Museum Curator manages collections, researches artwork, and designs exhibitions, often specializing in a particular period or region's art. This course offers specialized insight into traditional Chinese brush painting, focusing on the symbolism and techniques associated with avian subjects like roosters and golden pheasants. The learning objectives, which include understanding the chicken in Chinese culture and general Oriental art, provide a foundational cultural literacy relevant to curating Asian art collections. A Museum Curator may find that developing hands-on familiarity with freehand (xieyi) painting techniques enhances their ability to analyze and interpret artworks, recognizing nuances in brushwork and composition. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
Content Creator Arts and Culture
A Content Creator specializing in arts and culture produces engaging articles, videos, or social media posts to educate and entertain audiences about artistic traditions. "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" offers unique and detailed subject matter perfectly suited for such creation. Learners gain in-depth knowledge of traditional Chinese brush painting techniques, the cultural significance of chickens in Chinese art, and the meditative aspects of the freehand (xieyi) style. This provides rich material for tutorials showcasing painting techniques, cultural explorations of symbolism, or historical discussions, making a Content Creator uniquely equipped to share insights into this specific artistic tradition and its symbolic beauty.
Art Therapist
An Art Therapist facilitates artistic expression to help clients explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. The course "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" expressly emphasizes its function as a "meditative and creative space" and a "calming, meditative rhythm." While not a clinical training for therapy, the experience gained in finding tranquility through traditional Chinese freehand painting (xieyi) may be helpful for an aspiring Art Therapist. Understanding how structured artistic processes, focused on symbolic subjects like roosters and beautiful backgrounds, can foster relaxation and creative exploration provides valuable insight into the therapeutic potential of various art forms. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
Cultural Liaison
A Cultural Liaison facilitates understanding and collaboration between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds, often in international settings. This course provides specific insight into Chinese culture through its art, focusing on the symbolism and artistic representation of chickens, including roosters, hens, and golden pheasants. The 'Chicken in Oriental Art & Culture' section and the general introduction to Oriental art offer valuable cultural context and perspective. This specialized knowledge may be helpful for a Cultural Liaison working in fields such as international education, diplomacy, or business, where understanding specific cultural nuances through artistic expression can foster better cross-cultural communication and appreciation.
Art Appraiser
An Art Appraiser determines the monetary value of artworks, requiring expertise in art history, techniques, and market trends. This course offers hands-on experience and theoretical understanding of traditional Chinese freehand painting (xieyi). Learning to paint specific elements like roosters, hens, chicks, and golden pheasants, along with understanding their cultural and symbolic significance, provides practical insight into the characteristics and authenticity of such works. This specialized knowledge may be helpful for an Art Appraiser focusing on Asian art, enhancing their ability to identify styles, brushwork, and cultural nuances within a piece. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
Decorative Artist
A Decorative Artist applies artistic designs to various surfaces, objects, or interiors, often for aesthetic enhancement and bespoke ornamentation. The detailed study of traditional Chinese brush painting techniques in "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" provides a distinctive and elegant style. Learning to render subjects like roosters, golden pheasants, and accompanying flora such as morning glories and trumpet creepers with freehand (xieyi) brushwork offers specialized artistic skills. A Decorative Artist may find this course helpful for creating custom murals, hand-painted furniture, or unique art installations with a classical East Asian aesthetic, embodying the rich symbolism and artistic grace learned.
Gallery Assistant
A Gallery Assistant supports the daily operations of an art gallery, including assisting with exhibitions, managing inventory, and engaging with visitors regarding artwork. While the course "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" focuses on artistic practice, it provides exposure to a specific and traditional art form. Understanding the nuances of Chinese freehand painting (xieyi), the cultural significance of its subjects like roosters and golden pheasants, and the artistic process helps a Gallery Assistant develop a deeper appreciation for the art they handle. This background may offer a unique understanding when discussing specific artworks or cultural exhibitions with patrons and artists.
Experiential Event Designer
An Experiential Event Designer creates immersive and engaging experiences for participants at various events, focusing on unique and memorable interactions. The course "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" emphasizes its role as a "meditative and creative space" and highlights a "calming, meditative rhythm." This focus on unique, hands-on, and tranquil artistic engagement may be helpful for an Experiential Event Designer looking to curate culturally rich workshops or activities. The skills in traditional Chinese brush painting, coupled with knowledge of Chinese symbolism, could inspire elegant and meaningful experiences for corporate wellness programs, cultural festivals, or unique private functions seeking an artistic touch.
Book Designer
A Book Designer conceptualizes and executes the visual layout of books, including covers and interior pages, blending aesthetics with functionality. This course, deeply rooted in traditional Chinese brush painting, offers an immersion in a distinct aesthetic. The skills in composition, brushwork, and understanding of symbolic imagery from painting roosters, hens, and golden pheasants, coupled with backgrounds like morning glories and trumpet creepers, may be helpful for a Book Designer working on projects related to Asian culture, art history, or nature. It could inspire unique design elements or provide a foundation for art direction on such projects, particularly those requiring a classical, elegant, hand-painted touch.
Textile Designer
A Textile Designer creates patterns and prints for fabrics used in fashion, home furnishings, and other product categories. The course "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" offers a deep dive into traditional Chinese freehand painting (xieyi), developing skills in rendering specific subjects like roosters, hens, and golden pheasants, along with various flowers and insects. This artistic training may be helpful for a Textile Designer to develop unique, culturally inspired patterns. The elegant brushwork and understanding of composition from these painting projects could inspire distinctive designs for high-end textiles or clothing lines seeking an East Asian aesthetic and rich symbolism.
Botanical Illustrator
A Botanical Illustrator creates accurate and aesthetically pleasing depictions of plants for scientific documentation or artistic expression. While the primary focus of "Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken" is on avian subjects, the course also includes learning to paint "a few useful flowers and insects" and specific plants like "morning glories" and "Chinese trumpet creepers" for backgrounds. This training in detailed observation and brushwork for flora, within the elegant freehand (xieyi) style, may be helpful for a Botanical Illustrator seeking to expand their techniques or specialize in an East Asian aesthetic where botanical elements are often depicted with graceful precision.

Reading list

We've selected 37 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Relax with Chinese Painting - Chicken.
Widely considered the pinnacle of Chinese fiction, this novel provides a detailed and intimate portrayal of an aristocratic family in the Qing Dynasty. It offers profound insights into Chinese society, customs, and human nature.
A foundational book in the field, it introduces the Relaxation Response technique, a simple and effective method for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
A insightful collection of essays that uses ten common Chinese words to explore the complexities and contradictions of contemporary China. offers a unique and accessible perspective on current social and cultural issues, making it highly relevant for understanding modern Chinese culture.
Another of the Four Great Classical Novels, this mythical adventure story follows the pilgrimage of a Tang Dynasty monk and his disciples. It beloved tale in Chinese culture, influencing literature, art, and popular media.
Offers an intimate look at the lives of young women who migrate from rural villages to work in factories in China's booming industrial centers. It provides valuable insights into the social and cultural impact of urbanization and economic change on a significant portion of the Chinese population.
Cahill has produced a book that major survey of the history of Chinese painting that is written with verve and a great depth of knowledge.
A classic manual of Chinese painting that was first published in the 17th century. The manual provides detailed instructions on how to paint a variety of subjects, including landscapes, figures, and flowers.
Presents a collection of essays on Chinese paintings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The essays explore the major themes and styles of Chinese painting, and provide new insights into the work of some of the most important painters represented in the Museum's collection.
A compelling memoir that tells the story of three generations of women in China, offering a personal perspective on the dramatic social and political changes of the 20th century. provides a vivid and accessible entry point into understanding the impact of modern history on individual lives and cultural experiences. It reads like fiction but offers significant historical insight.
An in-depth examination of the aspirations and anxieties of individuals in contemporary China, exploring themes of wealth, censorship, and belief. is highly relevant for understanding the current social and cultural landscape and the challenges faced by people in modern China.
One of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, this historical novel recounts the events of the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. It is deeply ingrained in Chinese popular culture and provides essential context for understanding historical narratives and values.
Through personal stories and historical context, this book explores the human side of China's rapid transformation and its connections to the wider world. It provides a nuanced understanding of contemporary Chinese life and culture by focusing on the experiences of ordinary people.
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A widely respected single-volume history of China, offering a broad narrative from the earliest times to the late 20th century. is excellent for gaining a foundational understanding of the historical events that have shaped Chinese culture. It's often used as an introductory text in university courses.
Explores the resurgence of religion and spirituality in China after decades of suppression. It sheds light on a significant aspect of contemporary Chinese cultural and social life that is often overlooked.
Focuses on China's transformation from the late imperial period to the present. It provides crucial historical background for understanding contemporary Chinese culture and society. It widely acclaimed and commonly assigned text in modern Chinese history courses.
Examines the evolution of Chinese visual culture in the context of tradition, modernity, and globalization. It provides insights into contemporary artistic expressions and their relationship with broader cultural changes.
A collection of supernatural tales from the Qing dynasty, offering a fascinating glimpse into Chinese folklore, beliefs, and social customs of the time. This classic provides rich cultural context through engaging short stories.
This practical guide to painting techniques is written by artist and author Mark Rosenthal. It provides clear and concise instructions on all aspects of painting, from choosing materials to framing your work. It valuable resource for both beginning and experienced artists.
This monumental series offers a comprehensive and authoritative historical overview of China. While extensive, individual volumes can serve as valuable reference tools to provide historical context for various cultural phenomena. It standard reference work in academic institutions globally.
An ancient Chinese military treatise that has had a significant influence not only on military strategy but also on business, law, and culture in China and beyond. This classic provides insight into Chinese strategic thinking and its broader cultural relevance.
By Richard Schmid comprehensive guide to alla prima painting, a technique in which the painting is completed in one sitting. It covers all aspects of the technique, from materials to brushwork. It is an excellent resource for artists who want to learn more about alla prima painting.
Explores the painting of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), a period of great economic and cultural prosperity in China. Clunas provides a detailed overview of the major styles and themes of Ming painting, and discusses the work of some of the most important artists of the period.
A comprehensive survey of Chinese literature from its beginnings to the modern era. This reference work is invaluable for understanding the development of Chinese literary traditions and their cultural significance.
Explores the painting and calligraphy of the Song dynasty (960-1279), a period of great cultural and artistic achievement in China. Hearn provides a detailed overview of the major styles and themes of Song painting and calligraphy, and discusses the work of some of the most important artists of the period.
This practical guide focuses on yoga as a relaxation technique, providing step-by-step instructions and sequences for beginners and experienced yogis alike.
By James Gurney comprehensive guide to watercolor painting techniques. It covers all aspects of the medium, from materials to techniques. It is an excellent resource for artists who want to learn more about watercolor painting.
Explores the Ayurvedic perspective on relaxation and self-care, offering practices and rituals for achieving balance and inner peace.
A beginner-friendly guide to various relaxation techniques, providing step-by-step instructions and tips for implementing them into daily routines.
Save
Provides a detailed look at some of the most important Chinese paintings in the British Museum's collection.
By Maria Brophy comprehensive guide to painting. It covers all aspects of the medium, from materials to techniques. It is an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn more about painting.
By Alan Giana comprehensive guide to drawing and painting. It covers all aspects of the two mediums, from materials to techniques. It is an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn more about drawing and painting.
By Joseph D'Amelio comprehensive guide to perspective for painters. It covers all aspects of perspective, from the basics to advanced techniques. It is an excellent resource for artists who want to learn more about perspective.

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