Chinese Brush Painting Workshop: Lotus in Xie-Yi Style

Learn the tradition style of Chinese brush painting as part of our painting workshops in Sydney.

Discover the beauty and expressive qualities of traditional Chinese brush painting in this one-day workshop at Sydney Community College. Guided by experienced tutor Franz, you will focus on the Xie-Yi style (freehand) approach, creating a lotus painting that brings together brush technique, ink control, colour use, and inscription.

Franz has been teaching Chinese water ink painting to local art lovers for more than 20 years. His expertise includes landscape, the Four Gentlemen, and flower-and-bird subjects. Having studied under the world-renowned artist Zou Wu Ki in Paris, Franz chose to remain in the figurative tradition to ensure Chinese art remains accessible and communicable to wider audiences. His teaching helps students from all backgrounds appreciate the richness of Chinese artistic traditions, developed over two millennia.

This workshop is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience in painting.

Example work
painted by
the tutor

Learning outcomes

By the end of this chinese brush workshop, you should have the following:

Control brush speed, angle, direction, and pressure in the Chinese style.
Apply techniques with both dry and wet ink.
Use Chinese ink in five different grades of darkness.
Create splash-ink effects to depict large lotus leaves.
Sketch small aquatic creatures such as fish, frogs, and kingfishers.
Outline and colour lotus flowers using water ink techniques.
Apply Chinese pigments and colours effectively.
Add inscription, signature, and a red name seal to complete a small painting.

Course content

What will be covered in this Chinese brush painting workshop?

Speed of brush movement and brush stroke angle
Direction and pressure of brush control
Dry and wet ink applications on Xuan paper
Five grades of ink darkness
Splash-ink effect for lotus leaves
Sketching fish, frogs, and kingfishers
Outlining and colouring lotus flowers
Adding a simple inscription, signature, and seal to finish your painting

Intended audience

Who is this painting workshop for?

This workshop is open to complete beginners as well as those with prior painting experience who wish to learn traditional Chinese painting techniques in a supportive studio environment.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd in the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Class materials

Materials provided:

All materials are provided in class.

Additional information

Please note the following:

Please wear old clothing or bring an apron.
Long hair must be tied back.
Closed-in shoes are required in the studio.