Not sure where to begin with creating your own nature-inspired art using traditional Chinese techniques?

Learn the foundational techniques of Chinese brush painting, focusing on the expressive freehand style to capture the spiritual essence of nature-inspired art.

Dates: 24 July – 14 August 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

This course will cover the basics of Chinese brush painting, getting familiar with essential tools and equipment choices. You will explore the rich cultural symbolism behind subjects like orchids, bamboo, and lotus. The course includes hands-on practice with various brush handling, ink modulation, and line work techniques. 

You will complete paintings of bamboo and orchids, with a final lotus masterpiece, building familiarity and confidence with the Chinese brush painting medium. At the end of the class, you can expect to produce at least one finished lotus painting and two smaller paintings of bamboo and orchids, along with many practice drawings during the process.

Learning Outcomes:

• Knowledge of materials and equipment used with Chinese brush painting.
• Understanding of basic Chinese brush painting techniques in freehand style, including brush handling, ink modulation, and line work. Some of the painting techniques are upright strokes, side strokes, reverse strokes, and scattered strokes. Experiment with different strokes and ink on rice paper.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to approach and develop compositions of natural subjects like orchids, bamboo, and lotus.
• Knowledge of the cultural understanding and symbolism within Eastern aesthetics, particularly regarding the "Four Gentlemen" and lotus.
• Ability to control the thickness of paint and the pressure of the brush.
• From beginning to end - discussing the steps from concept to finished Chinese brush painting artwork.
  
  

Materials
All materials are included in this course.

Level of course/workshop
Suitable for students 16+ from beginners through to intermediate students who wish to develop their Chinese brush painting skills and learn about Chinese painting techniques and culture.

About the tutor
Xiaochen(Fiona) Bao 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. She believes that the natural environment is the one of the best catalysts for artworks, and she is passionate about sharing the spiritual essence and philosophical reflections embedded in Chinese ink painting.

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. 

Images by Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao