Introduction to Chinese Landscape Painting with Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao

Interested in creating your own Chinese Landscape painting? Learn the foundational techniques of Chinese brush painting, focusing on the expressive freehand style to capture the spiritual essence of nature-inspired art. Dates: 30 October – 20 November 2026 Times: Fridays, 9.30am–12.00pm Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith Free parking is available at either the front or both sides of the building. About the Course Description: Discover the philosophy and grandeur of Shan Shui (Mountain-Water), the most evered genre in Chinese art. While Chinese landscape painting often appears majestic and complex, this course breaks it down into manageable, step-by-step techniques accessible to everyone. You will learn to use the Chinese brush to capture the spiritual essence of nature, focusing on essential elements: the rugged texture of rocks, the structure of trees, the fluid motion of water ripples, and the imposing presence of mountains. The course moves from individual elements to a complete composition, allowing you to build confidence with the brush. By the end, you will create your own complete landscape masterpiece that reflects the harmony of nature. Learning Outcomes By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Understand the materials (ink, brush, Rice paper) and the cultural philosophy behind Shan Shui. Master specific brush techniques for rendering rocks and mountains (texturing strokes) and organic elements like trees and water ripples. Understand composition, negative space, and perspective in Chinese landscapes. Control ink modulation (water to ink ratio) to create depth and atmosphere. Complete a finished Chinese landscape painting from concept to execution. Level: This course is suitable for beginners through to intermediate students. No prior experience with Chinese painting is required, as we will build the landscape step-by-step. Materials and Resources: Tutor Provided Materials All materials listed will be provided, no need to buy them. Xuan paper/Rice paper (for practice and final work) ~30 sheets/person Chinese painting brush/ Japanese painting brush/ Bamboo brush(small, medium and big) at least 3 brushes Black ink 1 bottle Chinese painting colors/ Chinese watercolors 12 colors or less Brush washer/ rinsing container 1 Palette/color dish (similar wish watercolor) 2/person Felt mat (put underneath the paper) Paper towel About the Tutor Xiaochen(Fiona) Bao is a children’s book illustrator, fine artist and emerging curator based in Canberra. Xiaochen was born in Taiyuan, Shanxi, a city that is extremely rich in Chinese cultural history and traditional Chinese art. She has been studying art in Canada and the U.S. for years. Profoundly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist doctrines, she wishes her art to transmit similar positive and natural energy to the environment and viewers while inspiring meditation. She is inspired by both eastern and western ancient poems, songs, myths, and of course nature. The colors in her paintings are always dreamy, soft and harmonious. She believes that the natural environment is the one of the best catalysts for artworks, and she is passionate about exploring possibilities of acrylic paint. NatureArt Lab Awards 2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award 2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award 2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT 2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. Image credits: Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao