Chinese Modern Landscape Painting

Explore the rich tradition of Chinese painting through our visual art courses in Sydney.

Modern Chinese landscape painting combines the elegance of traditional ink techniques with contemporary composition, colour and artistic expression. In this hands-on course, you'll learn the foundations of Chinese brush painting while creating fresh, expressive landscapes inspired by the timeless "sansui" (pronounced Shan Shui, Mountain 山 and Water 水) tradition.

Rather than copying historical masterpieces, you'll explore how contemporary Chinese artists reinterpret this ancient art form, using traditional materials to create paintings that feel both personal and modern.

Through guided demonstrations and practical exercises, you'll gain confidence using Chinese brushes, ink and colour while creating modern landscape paintings that balance centuries-old traditions with a fresh artistic perspective.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the foundations and contemporary evolution of Chinese landscape painting.
• Use traditional Chinese brushes, ink and pigments with greater confidence.
• Apply modern composition techniques inspired by classical Shan Shui painting.
• Create expressive mountains, trees, water and natural forms using traditional brush techniques.
• Combine ink and colour to produce contemporary Chinese landscape paintings.
• Complete an original modern landscape artwork incorporating your own artistic interpretation.

Course content

During the course, participants will explore:

• Introduction to modern Chinese landscape painting and its relationship to traditional Shan Shui
• Brush techniques, expressive line work and ink control
• Contemporary approaches to painting mountains, rocks and natural textures
• Creating trees, foliage and water using traditional methods with modern interpretation
• Using colour to create atmosphere, contrast and mood
• Composition, perspective and balance in contemporary landscape painting
• Adding finishing details, signatures and traditional seals
• Completing an original modern Chinese landscape painting

Intended audience

Who is this course for?

Suitable for beginners and anyone interested in exploring Chinese ink painting through a contemporary lens. No previous experience is required.

Classes are taught in both English and Chinese.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon Street and Victoria Road on the grounds of St Joseph's Church)

Course materials

If you wish to use your own materials, please bring:

• 1 × medium Chinese brush (brown hair)
• 1 × small Chinese brush (brown hair)
• Chinese paper (roll or pad)
• Chinese ink

Art supply information will be provided in Lesson 1.

Brushes, ink and Chinese paper are provided for use during the course.

Additional information

• Closed-in shoes are required.
• Please wear old clothes or bring an apron.
• Long hair must be tied back.
• Course content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests and the instructor's approach.