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Fiona Sheng @ InkDifferent Studio

Overview & Objective

This course is designed for anyone who would like to learn about cat painting and is passionate about painting a cat using brushes. Even though it is part of the Oriental Brush Art (Chinese painting or Japanese Sumie painting) style, the actual course can be applicable to various art forms. The natural outcome after taking this course will be to use a picture as reference to paint almost any cat; If you practice according to the suggestions in the course, you can also paint without any references in the future - therefore even for digital art creators this course can be relevant.

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Overview & Objective

This course is designed for anyone who would like to learn about cat painting and is passionate about painting a cat using brushes. Even though it is part of the Oriental Brush Art (Chinese painting or Japanese Sumie painting) style, the actual course can be applicable to various art forms. The natural outcome after taking this course will be to use a picture as reference to paint almost any cat; If you practice according to the suggestions in the course, you can also paint without any references in the future - therefore even for digital art creators this course can be relevant.

Course Structure

We have a theoretical part and a practical part in the course structure, with downloadable slides, so that you can learn about the cats in great detail as an animal and be able to paint them directly without pencil sketches.

There are 3 complete cats that will be painted and explained to you from the beginning to the end, and there will be tips and tricks included in the usage of ink, painting brushes and the rice paper.

Material

  • This course requires rice paper (raw or half-raw)

  • 2-3 painting brushes

  • Chinese painting color (use what you have first is fine)

  • Other supplies (felt, water container, white plates)

The material part will be explained more in detail in the course.

This course is also the foundation to further animal painting courses in the future especially large cat paintings, which will come out in the coming months to meet you.  

There is no such thing as “Just a cat.” - Robert A. Heinlein

Enjoy the journey my friends.

Kind Regards,

Fiona

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the structure of a cat
  • Learn the poses of a cat
  • Learn to sketch a cat
  • Learn to use brushes to directly paint a cat

Syllabus

Introduction

In this section you can learn about the general introduction of the cat painting in the oriental art world.

This section explains the materials relevant to this course.

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Learn about the cat anatomic structure. Remember to download the course slides too!

Now let us continue with the theory and learn some sketching practice.

Outline process explained.

The inking is the most important aspect, learn it well!

The fun part, colouring is right here!

Practice round #2

Practice round #3

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Career center

Learners who complete Relax with brush painting - Cat will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fine Artist
A Fine Artist creates original works of art for aesthetic purposes, often for exhibition or sale. This course is an excellent path for aspiring Fine Artists, grounding them in a specific and expressive artistic tradition. By learning to paint cats directly with brushes, understanding their structure, and capturing their poses, as detailed in the course, you develop the unique technical and observational skills to create compelling animal portraiture and themed artworks. The focus on Oriental Brush Art style provides a distinct artistic voice, helping Fine Artists to craft unique pieces that stand out. Mastering the use of ink, painting brushes, and rice paper, as instructed, also builds confidence in material handling.
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates visual content to accompany text or convey ideas across various media, from books to digital platforms. This course is highly relevant for aspiring Illustrators, particularly given its applicability to digital art creators and the ability to paint without references. The detailed instruction on cat anatomy, structure, and diverse poses, combined with practical brush painting techniques, helps Illustrators develop a foundational skill set for character design and visual storytelling. By learning specific methods for using ink and brushes on rice paper, an Illustrator can translate these principles into diverse stylistic approaches for client projects.
Book Illustrator
A Book Illustrator creates visual content that accompanies and enhances written narratives within books, from children's stories to literary works. This course offers highly relevant skills for a Book Illustrator, specifically in creating expressive and engaging animal subjects. The ability to paint cats from reference and eventually without, coupled with a deep understanding of their structure and poses, as taught, is invaluable for bringing characters to life in a story. Mastering the unique aesthetic of Oriental brush art provides a distinctive style that can make a Book Illustrator's work memorable and appealing to publishers.
Freelance Artist
A Freelance Artist operates independently, creating and selling their own artwork or taking on commissions for clients across various artistic disciplines. This course is an excellent starting point for a Freelance Artist, offering a specialized skill set in cat painting. The comprehensive approach, from understanding cat structures and poses to mastering direct brush painting, empowers you to produce high-quality, distinctive artworks. The ability to paint without references, developed through practice, is particularly valuable for taking on diverse commissions. The practical tips on materials like ink, brushes, and rice paper also support efficient and professional art creation.
Visual Development Artist
A Visual Development Artist helps establish the overall aesthetic, mood, and visual style for animated features, games, and other media projects. This course helps build a foundation for a Visual Development Artist, particularly in character and creature design. The detailed study of cat anatomic structure and poses, combined with the practical application of Oriental brush art techniques, can inspire unique visual interpretations of animal characters. Learning to paint directly with brushes without initial sketches encourages fluid and expressive visual ideation, a key skill in shaping the visual language of a project.
Concept Artist
A Concept Artist designs the characters, creatures, environments, and props that define the visual world for games, films, and animation. This course helps build a foundation for a Concept Artist by focusing on the detailed understanding of animal anatomy, specifically cat structure and poses. The emphasis on direct brush painting without pencil sketches nurtures a spontaneity and fluency crucial for rapid ideation and dynamic visual development. Mastering the use of specific art materials, as taught, also enhances one's ability to translate ideas into tangible visuals, providing a unique artistic approach to creature design.
Nature Illustrator
A Nature Illustrator creates accurate and aesthetically pleasing visual representations of natural subjects, including animals, for scientific, educational, or artistic purposes. This course is directly beneficial for a Nature Illustrator, providing a focused study on feline subjects. The detailed instruction on cat anatomic structure, poses, and the practice of painting them from reference helps build a strong foundation in observational accuracy and artistic rendering of wildlife. Mastering direct brush painting techniques allows for capturing the essence and vitality of living creatures, a key skill for creating compelling and informative nature illustrations.
Art Educator
An Art Educator instructs students of various ages in artistic techniques, theory, and appreciation, guiding them in developing their creative skills. This course provides comprehensive knowledge for an aspiring Art Educator, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of cat painting within the Oriental Brush Art style. Learning about cat anatomic structure, sketching practice, and detailed methods for outline, inking, and coloring, as explained in the course, equips one to effectively teach these techniques. The specific tips and tricks on using ink, brushes, and rice paper offer valuable insights to share with future students.
Digital Artist
A Digital Artist creates visual art using computer software and digital tools, working in fields like illustration, concept art, and animation. The course explicitly highlights its relevance for digital art creators, making it a valuable foundation for a Digital Artist. The core principles of understanding cat anatomic structure, learning various poses, and practicing direct painting without pencil sketches are fundamental artistic skills that translate seamlessly into digital mediums. This course helps develop observational skills and artistic fluency, which are crucial for effective digital painting and character rendering, enhancing one's versatility in the digital art world.
Animator
An Animator creates sequences of images to produce the illusion of movement, bringing characters and stories to life in films, television, and video games. For an aspiring Animator, the course's detailed instruction on cat anatomic structure and poses is invaluable. Understanding how a cat's body moves and holds different stances directly translates into creating more believable and dynamic animated characters. The practice of painting without references, and the focus on direct brushwork, can also help develop a fluid hand, which may be useful for quick gesture drawing and character studies essential for animation.
Textile Designer
A Textile Designer conceptualizes and creates patterns and designs for fabrics, which are then used in fashion, home furnishings, and other industries. The distinct aesthetic of Oriental Brush Art, as taught in this course, may be useful for a Textile Designer seeking unique inspiration. The fluid brushstrokes and emphasis on capturing natural forms, such as cats, can be adapted to develop original motifs and repeating patterns. Familiarity with traditional painting techniques and the visual language of this art form, including the use of ink and color, helps foster a creative approach to surface design for fabrics.
Surface Pattern Designer
A Surface Pattern Designer creates decorative designs and motifs that are applied to a wide array of products, including stationery, wallpaper, ceramics, and packaging. The artistic principles and the visual language of Oriental Brush Art, explored in this course, may be useful for a Surface Pattern Designer. The course's focus on painting cats with distinctive brush techniques can inspire unique graphic elements and repeating patterns. Understanding the flow of ink and the composition of forms, as instructed, can contribute to developing aesthetically appealing and commercially viable designs for various product surfaces.
Art Materials Specialist
An Art Materials Specialist advises artists, retailers, and institutions on the properties, applications, and care of various art supplies and media. This course provides very specific insights that may be useful for an Art Materials Specialist. The detailed explanation of materials relevant to cat painting, such as raw or half-raw rice paper, specific types of painting brushes, and Chinese painting colors, offers practical knowledge of their characteristics and usage. Understanding the nuances of these materials, from how ink behaves on rice paper to the effect of different brushes, helps develop expertise in advising customers effectively.
Animator Background Artist
An Animator Background Artist designs and paints the static environments and settings against which animated characters perform. While the course focuses on cat subjects, the techniques taught in Oriental brush art may be useful for an Animator Background Artist. The emphasis on using ink, brushes, and rice paper helps build a foundation in creating expressive textures, atmospheric effects, and compositional skills that are essential for crafting richly detailed and evocative backgrounds. Learning about outlines, inking, and coloring, as explained in the course, can be applied to creating visually compelling backdrops.
Gallery Assistant
A Gallery Assistant supports the daily operations of an art gallery, including managing artworks, assisting with exhibitions, and engaging with visitors. While not a creative role, the knowledge gained in this course may be useful for a Gallery Assistant. Understanding the materials like rice paper, specific painting brushes, and Chinese painting colors, as detailed in the course, helps foster a deeper appreciation for the art on display and the techniques used by artists. This familiarity can be advantageous when discussing artworks with patrons or assisting with the careful handling and display of pieces.

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 brush painting - Cat.
Foundational text in color theory, exploring how colors change based on their relationships with other colors. It's invaluable for understanding the subjective experience and objective rationale of color. The book includes numerous visual exercises that are crucial for grasping complex color principles. It is considered a must-read for anyone serious about studying color.
Focusing on the relationship between color and light, this book is essential for artists seeking to create realistic renderings. It bridges the gap between abstract theory and practical application, making it highly relevant for those interested in illustration and digital painting. While aimed at realist painters, its principles are applicable across various visual disciplines.
Known as the “bible of dissectors”, Grant's Dissector provides step-by-step dissection instructions and guidance on how to recognize and interpret anatomical structures. It's across between an anatomy reference book and dissection guide. It contains current anatomical terms and includes access to an online learning center with videos, dissection simulations, and quizzes.
Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the immobilization and anesthesia of zoo animals and wildlife. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
Offers a comprehensive system of 55 'keys' to drawing, making it an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of drawing techniques. It includes numerous exercises to help solidify understanding and is suitable for beginners. It's a useful reference tool for developing fundamental drawing skills.
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.
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.
Principles and Methods of Toxicology textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of toxicology. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of toxicology.
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.
Offers a return to traditional atelier methods for learning drawing. It provides a structured approach with progressive lessons and exercises, ideal for developing a strong foundation in classical drawing techniques. It is highly recommended for serious art students.
Is highly relevant for those interested in product design sketching, as indicated by some of the course titles. It covers techniques for presenting product ideas through sketching, making it particularly useful for students and professionals in industrial design and related fields. It serves as a practical reference for specific sketching applications.
Understanding anatomy is crucial for figure drawing and sculpting. This atlas provides detailed anatomical illustrations specifically for artists, making it an invaluable reference tool for accurately depicting the human form. It's a core resource for students focusing on figurative work.
This book, and the series it belongs to, provides practical techniques and workflows from professional digital artists. It's highly relevant for those interested in digital coloring and illustration, offering hands-on insight into industry practices. It's more of a reference and inspirational tool showcasing various approaches.
A follow-up to 'Sketching the Product', this book likely delves deeper into specific drawing techniques relevant to product design sketching. It would be beneficial for students and professionals seeking to refine their skills in this area and provides a more in-depth look at the 'how-to'.
Another comprehensive guide to printmaking, this book offers step-by-step illustrations and covers various techniques including relief, intaglio, and screen printing. It also includes information on combining digital media with traditional methods, making it relevant to contemporary practices.
This comprehensive book covers a wide range of printmaking techniques, from traditional methods to contemporary innovations. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of this diverse art form and its processes. It can serve as both an introduction and a valuable reference.
Comprehensive guide to the materials and techniques used in painting throughout history. It provides a deep understanding of pigments, binders, and supports, which is crucial for any painter. It serves as an invaluable reference tool for understanding traditional methods and their historical context.
Delves into the multifaceted aspects of color, exploring its artistic, scientific, and symbolic dimensions. It provides a comprehensive overview of how color has been understood and used throughout history. It's a valuable resource for gaining a deeper, interdisciplinary understanding of color.
A classic in art instruction, this book emphasizes a ईयर-long course of study focused on observational drawing and capturing gesture and form. While not solely focused on quick sketching, its rigorous approach to seeing and understanding subjects is invaluable for deepening one's sketching abilities. It is more valuable as a structured course of study than a quick reference.
Covers contemporary approaches to color theory and its application in various fields, including art, design, and digital media. It provides an updated perspective on color principles relevant to current practices. It's a good resource for understanding how color theory is applied today.
Explores the fascinating histories and cultural significance of 75 different colors. While not a traditional theory book, it provides rich context and intriguing narratives that deepen an understanding of color's impact and evolution. It's an engaging read that adds cultural breadth to the topic.
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.
Offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary painting, discussing various aspects, categories, and relevant artists. It is an excellent resource for understanding the current landscape of painting techniques and movements.
Given the mention of watercolor in the course list, this book provides a solid foundation in essential watercolor techniques. It's a practical guide for beginners and those looking to improve their skills in this specific medium. It serves as a good reference for various watercolor approaches.
Aimed at beginners, this book introduces the tools and techniques of digital painting, covering fundamentals like brushes, layers, and color mixing in a digital environment. It's a practical guide for those starting with digital coloring and illustration software. It provides step-by-step tutorials for various digital painting styles.
Is geared towards concept artists and designers, focusing on rendering objects and environments with a high degree of technical accuracy and perspective. It's valuable for those looking to develop professional-level sketching skills for entertainment design and illustration. It requires a solid understanding of foundational drawing principles.
Classic guide to understanding and applying perspective in drawing. A solid grasp of perspective is fundamental for creating realistic and convincing sketches of environments and objects. It foundational text for developing spatial understanding in sketching.
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.
Offers a broad overview of sculptural techniques, forms, and concepts. Given the mention of wire sculpture, this provides a wider context of sculptural practices and materials. It's a useful introduction to the diverse world of sculpture.
A practical guide to using color in design, this book serves as a dictionary of colors organized by spectrum. It's a useful reference for designers and artists needing quick access to color information and inspiration. It focuses on the application of color in professional contexts.
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Focuses on capturing the energy and movement of a subject through dynamic drawing techniques. It's particularly relevant for animators and those interested in bringing a sense of life to their sketches. It offers a different perspective on figure drawing, emphasizing flow and force.
Bridges urban sketching and concept drawing, relevant for designers and those interested in visualizing ideas quickly and effectively in an urban context. It emphasizes freehand drawing as a tool for discovery and communication. It's suitable for both broad understanding and deepening skills in a specific area.
Color mixing fundamental skill in painting. This guide provides practical instruction and charts specifically for acrylic paints, a common medium. It's a useful reference for understanding color relationships and achieving desired hues.
Explores the scientific principles behind color, including color measurement, color perception, and color reproduction. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the technical aspects of color, particularly relevant for digital artists and those working with color management.
While seemingly focused on comics, this book profound exploration of visual language and communication. It delves into how images convey meaning and the principles of visual storytelling, which are highly relevant to understanding and applying various art techniques effectively. It's a valuable resource for broadening one's artistic perspective.
Delves into contemporary approaches to landscape painting, showcasing a range of styles and techniques. It's relevant for those interested in modern art techniques and provides insight into current trends in a specific genre.
Explores the various facets of color, from its scientific basis to its cultural significance and historical uses. It provides a broad and engaging overview of color from multiple perspectives, enriching the reader's understanding beyond just artistic application.
While focused on design drawing, this book offers valuable insights into using color for communication and presentation. The third edition includes updated digital techniques, making it relevant for those using digital tools for coloring and illustration. It serves as a useful reference for applying color principles in a practical design context.
Focuses on sketching on location, specifically urban environments. It's great for those looking to apply sketching skills in a dynamic setting and is relevant to architectural sketching courses. It provides practical tips and inspiration for a specific genre of sketching.
An accompanying workbook to 'The Urban Sketching Handbook', this provides practical exercises for developing urban sketching skills. It's useful for reinforcing the concepts learned in the handbook and applying them through practice. It's a good supplementary resource for active learning.
This concise introduction provides an overview of contemporary art, helping to contextualize the techniques and approaches used by artists today. It's a good starting point for understanding the broader movements and ideas influencing contemporary art techniques.
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Provides a detailed look at some of the most important Chinese paintings in the British Museum's collection.
While not strictly a technical guide, this book widely acclaimed resource for unlocking creativity and overcoming blocks. It provides exercises and practices that can be incredibly beneficial for artists of all levels, helping to foster a consistent creative practice. It's more of a supplementary reading for nurturing the artistic spirit.
This comprehensive guide covers the techniques of pen and ink drawing, a popular medium for sketching. It provides detailed instruction on creating various textures, tones, and effects using ink, valuable for those looking to specialize in this area. It serves as a detailed reference for a specific sketching medium.
Traces the history of color in art through the lens of science, exploring the origins of pigments and dyes. It reveals the close relationship between artistic creation and scientific discovery. It's an excellent resource for understanding the materials and techniques behind historical coloring practices.
An early systematic study of color perception, Chevreul's work on simultaneous contrast is foundational to understanding how colors affect each other when placed in proximity. This classic text is important for historical context and for a deep dive into color interaction principles.
While focused on comic creation, McCloud's book includes discussions on how color is used in visual storytelling to convey mood, emotion, and information. It's relevant for those interested in comic book coloring and sequential art, providing context for how color functions within a narrative. [endment needed]
Batchelor examines the Western aversion to color in art and culture. offers a critical perspective on the perception and use of color, challenging conventional notions. It's a thought-provoking read for those interested in the cultural and psychological aspects of color.

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