Gongbi Painting Workshop with Victoria: Cucumber Flowers Jun 17 2025

Date: Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Join us for an enriching Gongbi Painting Workshop, focusing on the delicate beauty of cucumber flowers and vines, inspired by the exquisite artwork of the celebrated Gongbi painter Yu Zhizhen (俞致貞). This detailed painting technique beautifully captures the vivid blooms, intricate leaves, curling tendrils, and maturing cucumbers, highlighting the elegance and harmony characteristic of Gongbi style.

Workshop Highlights:

• Step-by-step demonstration covering meticulous brushwork required for depicting the translucent yellow blossoms, richly veined green leaves, graceful tendrils, and textured cucumber fruits.
• Exploration of seasonal symbolism and how cucumber imagery embodies vitality and abundance in traditional Chinese culture.
• Techniques for creating precise outlines, layered coloring, and delicate shading to emphasize lifelike qualities and depth.
• Advice on composing balanced and visually engaging paintings, using space thoughtfully to enhance the artwork's elegance.

Supplies List (not included in class fee):

• None-absorbent Sized Xuan Paper: For this workshop, you will need 2 pieces of 13.5" x 9" sized Xuan paper. Cicada-wing-sized Xuan is highly recommended for sharper lines: Cicada-wing-sized Xuan Paper
• Brushes:
  • Seven-wolf-three-sheep Brush
  • Essential Three Chinese Painting Brushes for water, color, and detail work.
• Color and Ink:
  • Marie’s 12 color tubes
  • Liquid Sumi Ink
• LED Lightbox (Optional): A4 size for tracing (available on Amazon for less than $10)

Preparation: Participants are encouraged to have botanical reference images of cucumber plants, flowers, and fruits to enhance the accuracy and beauty of their artwork. Detailed class handouts will be emailed to all registrants prior to the workshop.

Join Victoria to master the meticulous, rewarding Gongbi style, creating vibrant paintings that celebrate nature’s quiet elegance and artistic refinement.