Chinese ink painting: Animals & Pets — Gesture, Rhythm & Spirit

This course introduces the expressive world of animal painting in East Asian ink art — where a creature’s spirit is conveyed not through detail but through gesture, rhythm, and living movement. Drawing on traditions ranging from Zen portraiture to classical animal studies, participants learn characteristic strokes for depicting tigers, monkeys, dogs and cats, as well as smaller animals rendered with immediacy and vitality.

We compare ink behaviour with Western watercolor and explore how line, texture, and tonal washes create a sense of breath — the Qi (energy)— within the figure. The course includes step-by-step demonstrations, creative exploration, and individual feedback.

Suitable for complete beginners. All materials are provided.

Hui Song, born in Confucius’ hometown, was immersed in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy from an early age. He trained professionally in Chinese painting and mounting techniques and holds degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine and International Business.