Brush is similar to the watercolor paint brush used in the west, which is suitable for dealing with a wide range of objects, and producing variations of or styles. Chinese emphasize not only line drawing, but shade, texture, and the dotting method. The dotting method is used mainly with trees and plants to make them look realistic.Thick ink is to deep, and glossy to used on paper, or silk. Thin ink appears lively and translucent on paper or silk. On ink and wash paintings it’s possible to create rhythmic balance between brightness and darkness using ink. It also helps to create density and lightness, to create impression of the subjects weight and coloring.Different types of paper produce different results; some are rough, and quickly absorb ink like a sponge, others with a smooth surface which resist ink. Brushstrokes have the best result on pa-per. Because of this, there is a variety of paper’s with texture, and finish. Artists, and calligraphers highly favor these pa-pers.
Chinese paintings aim is not to express the different shades of color in relation to the position of the light source, but to express the different characteristics of the different subjects. Chinese use the artistic conception and structural compo-sition in most landscape paintings. They create an impression of being seen from a birds eye view or from above. Since sizes and shapes of spaces in paintings different; the absence of content can create rhythm and variety.
The significance of Calligraphy lies in its ability to express the theme and artistic conception of the painting clearly and more deeply. Artist give great insight to their individuality, emotions, and views on art, and life. Ink and wash paintings sometimes use a bright red seal to add a final touch of beauty. Seals are pressed into a pot or tin of cinnebar paste, a scarlet red color, and are impressed onto the painting. The paste they use contains mercuric oxide, ground silk, and oils.
