Before he begins writing Master Zhang inspects the paper he will use,
and explains to Iris what type of paper is best suited for the
artworks he will create today. |
A lot of thought goes into creating a masterpiece, requiring decades
of practice and a thorough understanding of the process. |
Master Zhang is explaining to Iris how he will layout this calligraphy
painting, and the things she should consider before she begins writing
herself. |
Balance is one of the most important concepts in writing Chinese
calligraphy, and here he is stressing this point. |
Iris is asking questions about the layout. She is a very good student
and always asks a lot of questions so she can gain a better
understanding of her art. |
Almost ready to begin, the layout confirmed and Iris understands how
he will write the calligraphy to create a beautiful, balanced fine
artwork. |
Here you can see Master Zhang has already completed several characters
of the painting they have been discussing. |
A title is an important part of many calligraphy paintings, and can be
essential in obtaining balance. A title will often consist of the
date, an artists name, or some words dear to the artist. |
The Chinese calligraphy painting has almost been completed, the title
has been written and Master Zhang explains how he will seal the
painting, which is the final step in the process. |
Place a seal on an artwork is how Chinese artists "sign" their names.
You will often see more than one seal on a painting, one is always the
artists name, while others may be a favorite idiom, a tribute to their
teacher or some words near and dear to their heart. |
A lot of discussion takes place before and after every painting. Here
Iris is contemplating what she has learned. |
Master Zhang showing us one of his Chinese calligraphy paintings. |
The famous one-stroke dragon Chinese calligraphy painting. Made into a
wall scroll or framed, this is one of the finest examples of Chinese
calligraphy you will ever see. |
Writing additional calligraphy on the one-stroke dragon symbol
painting. |
Almost finished with the title. |
The last step again, is to "sign" a painting by placing one or more
seals on it. |
Each of his Chinese calligraphy art works is unique, and you will
notice the "tail" of the dragon is on the bottom in this painting. |
Beginning to write additional calligraphy on the painting. |
Now to write the title. |
Last but certainly not least Master Zhang is placing the seals on the
second one-stroke dragon calligraphy painting. |
Master Zhang sealing a "Big Fu" calligraphy painting. The meaning of
big Fu is a blessing for a lot of good fortune. |
Buddha Heart - Also known as the awakened heart of compassion. |
Writing a title for the Buddha heart calligraphy painting. |
Another of my personal favorites, the one stroke-tiger. |
Master Zhang discussing how to write the additional calligraphy on the
one-stroke tiger calligraphy painting. |
Balance is a key element in Chinese calligraphy, and few artists know
this better than Master Zhang. |
Iris asking more questions. |
Additional pictures of Master Zhang Guo Dong and Iris
discussing some of the calligraphy paintings depicted in the pictures
above. |
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