Capturing the Energy of Nature - Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting | Andy Lou | Sept 19, 2026 | 10am - 3pm
$110.00 CAD
Capturing the Energy of Nature - Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting
Andy Lou
Saturday Sept 19, 2026
10am - 3pm
$110
This workshop is designed for people who are interested in the oriental painting medium. Both traditional and contemporary techniques of Chinese Brush Painting will be introduced. You will learn about Chinese ink, rice paper, colour, texture, composition, and the aesthetic principles of Chinese brush painting. You will also learn technical skills, such as loading the brush with ink and water, dry and wet brush stroke control through instructor demonstrations, as well as in class discussions and hands-on practice.
This workshop will focus on creative exploration of the brush painting medium and expanding your visual vocabulary. You will be encouraged to explore contemporary styles by using this ancient art medium. Some experience in painting will help but is not necessary.
Learning Objective/Learning Outcomes:
Students will learn the history and styles of Chinese Brush Painting, as well as understand the evolution of the contemporary Chinese Brush Painting to present day. Upon the completion of this workshop, students will be able to identify the major schools of Chinese Brush Painting, have basic control of Chinese brushes, ink and colour to develop images of flowers and landscapes in free-hand style.
Andy Shutse Lou
Master of Fine Arts
Andy Shutse Lou is a classically trained, award-winning artist based in Victoria, B.C., Canada. Born in China and educated in the United States, he holds an MFA from the University of North Texas and has taught contemporary Chinese brush painting across Canada, the U.S., and China.
Blending Eastern tradition with Western innovation, Andy uses Chinese brushes, rice paper, and ink alongside watercolor, gouache, and acrylic to create vivid interpretations of North American landscapes. His work is known for dynamic color contrasts and a harmonious fusion of classical subtlety and modern expression.
Internationally exhibited and collected, Andy’s art was featured in the 2024 exhibition Crossing at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. He is also the author or co-author of five books on Chinese brush painting.
Artist's Statement
My paintings are my personal investigations into the interaction between Eastern and Western culture. They express how I see and feel about my subject; how I interpret both intuitively and spiritually by using visual language.
I adapt to a variety of techniques and thoughts from the West but emphasize my oriental originality. I employ Chinese brushes, rice paper and ink, mixing with watercolour, gouache and acrylic to create the landscapes of North America in my own style.
Chinese ink, the essential material of Chinese brush painting, remains a dominant element in my work, but vibrant colours also play an important role. I blend the old and the new to forge a contrast between ink and colour, between the ancient traditions of Chinese painting and the rapidly changing world of Western art.
“Lifelike spirit” is the source of all great art. I exhibit this through focusing attention on the artistic forms, shapes, and vitality of the art. The purpose of my landscape paintings is not to explain the world, but rather to pursue a universal balance between nature and the artist. Art must be natural yet spontaneous.
All classes and workshops are non-refundable. Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the workshop or class date will receive 100% credit. 6 days before class and no credit will be issued.