Eastern Studies program

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Specialized Courses

1.China Academy of Art Chinese Landscape Painting--Nondegree Programme teaching in English and Chinese

Since its inception, the International College of the China Academy of Art has always placed importance on the instruction of and exchange regarding Chinese traditional arts. Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting represents a central discipline in the breadth of Chinese cultural arts and thinking. The realm in which the art of Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting seeks to attain, reflects, precisely, Chinese culture's reverence toward nature and ultimate humanistic concern to achieve harmony with the world around oneself. Mountain Water painting's spiritual practice seeks to elevate the value of the individual life to a state that is one with "Heaven and Earth" and the forces of the universe that be. In addition, the practice of Mountain Water (Shun Shui) Painting also aims to help each individual to experience a state of inner peace, clarity and happiness. Thus it can be sure that, as an art form, the study and experience of Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) painting and its consciousness provides a crucial key to understanding the greater depth that lies within traditional Chinese culture and art.

 

In order to gain a proper understanding and grasp of Chinese Mountain Water Painting and its artistic concerns/consciousness, an individual requires relevant theoretical guidance and focused practical training. In light of this, the International College of the China Academy of Art will offer specialized courses geared towards both beginners and intermediate/advanced students in the discipline of Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting. Courses will include, "The Emulation of Various Rock and Tree Painting Methods","Foundational Methods of Creating Original Works", "Life-Drawing (Xie Sheng)", and "Creating Original Works, a Specialized Course". Through the intensive study and exploration of ancient classical works of Chinese Mountain Water Painting, these courses will help students to achieve a proper understanding and solid grasp of the spiritual essence of Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting, using its consciousness as a way of edification and nourishment. This curriculum hopes to help each student open up new avenues of thought and awareness in his/her own artistic practice, and to plant a seed in each student’s future artistic endeavors that reflects a pure and honest connection to Chinese culture. 

 

1. Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Rock and Tree Emulation and Fundamentals for Creating Original Works Course (Short-Term)

 

A. Course Description:

Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting, uses special principles that integrate the use of the brush and ink, spacial arrangement and composition to form a unique "perspective" that allows for the individual to respond to and articulate the endless variation/dynamism found in reality and the natural world. These methods and principals of Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting have been passed on throughout history, have evolved and have continued for over one-thousand years to remain a vital discipline full of energy. Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting's content and substance is rich and vast. It represents a treasure-trove of ancient wisdom in the history of painting. Further, its form is one of China’s unique contributions to the history of man, painting and art. The seminal qualities of, "Being able to wonder through" (You) a painting, "Being able to live inside" (Ju) a painting, are simultaneously achieved through methodical combination and arrangement, one tree and one rock at a time. Further, the methods of painting rocks and trees are Chinese Mountain Water painting's foundational subjects, of which all beginners must gain solid understanding. These methods are also the most effective points of entry into the practice of Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting. The methods of painting rocks and trees are not only in themselves high expressions of painting, they also serve as the building blocks for creating more complex, finished works of Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting. The most immediate/direct way of studying such methods is through the emulation of classical examples. Secondly, one must also gain understanding of the unique form of “Perspective" and or "Way of seeing" that is used in Mountain Water painting and apply it through practice.  

 

B. Course Objective:

Through the research and study of ancient classical examples of painting rocks and trees found in Chinese painting, students are expected to gain a grasp of and show proficiency in the use of one particular type of rock and tree painting method of their choice. Students will be expected to independently complete one finished work, emulating an example of a classical Mountain Water (Shan Shui) painting. Students will also be expected to gain a preliminary understanding of the system used in constructing a work of (Shan Shui) painting and its way of thinking.

 

C. Related Activities/Coursework:

This course will arrange one or two visits to local museums to view paintings, and based on the results of students' output, will organize an educational level exhibition/show as a culmination of the class.

 

D. Total Class Period: 15 Class Periods (Two weeks)

Time: Everyday, 9:30am - 4:30pm (12:00 Lunch, Weekends off)

Course Completion: Those individuals who successfully complete the course will be awarded a special certificate of completion.

 

E. Program Cost:

4000RMB/Week/Person (Not including travel expenses of on-site investigations, visits)  

Groups(8 or more), Price negotiable

Accommodation fee paid for by student

  

F.  Course Syllabus

Course Period

Course Description

Course Materials

1

Chinese Mountain Water Painting (Shan Shui) Rock and Tree Painting Method Introduction and Introduction and Breakdown of Teaching Materials and Masterpiece Works

Teaching Materials/Resources

2

Tree Method Practice: Method of Painting Branches and Trees without Leaves

”Mustard Seed Garden Painting Manual”、”Lu Yan Shan’s Class Studies” 、”Gu Kun Bo's Class Studies”、Northern Song ”Early Spring” by Guo Xi、and”Temple In the Clear Mountains” after Li Cheng

3

Tree Method Practice: Methods of Dotting  Vs. Contouring Leaves

Five dynasty ”Summer Mountainside Retreat” by Dong Yuan

4

Tree Method Practice: Organization and Arrangement

”Pilgrimage through the Mountain Stream” by Fan Kuan (Northern Song)  、”The Four Master Painters of the Ming Dynasty, Collected Works”

5

Rock Method Practice: Step One , Linear Contouring (Gou Le)

”Gong Ban Qian’s Class Painting Studies”

6

Rock Method Practice: Methods of Using Textural Brushstrokes (Cun)   and Tonal Rendering (Ran)

 ”Mustard Seed Garden Painting Manual”、”Lu Yan Shan’s Class Studies” 、”Gu Kun Bo's Class Studies” and Other Classical Masterpieces/Examples 

7

Rock Method Practice: Interlacing and Stacking/Layering

 

8

Rock Method Practice: Arrangement and Organization

”Mustard Seed Garden Painting Manual”、”Lu Yan Shan’s Class Studies” 、”Gu Kun Bo's Class Studies” and Other Classical Masterpieces/Examples 

9

Tree and Rock Emulation

Song Dynasty “Small Winter Forest". Based on Individual needs, each person will pick an example work or particular artist to study from and begin emulation.

10

Museum Visit: Learning to “Read” and Analyze the Brush and Ink of Masterpiece Paintings

Classical Masterpieces

11, 12

Tree and Rock Life Drawing (Xie Sheng) (Area around the West Lake)

 

Primarily Quick/Rough Sketching,Brush and Ink Painting as Auxiliary

13, 14, 15

Comprehensive Emulation: Choose one example work and emulate its method of painting Rocks and Trees (Integrate both, techniques of emulation based on principles, and emulation based on memory.)


 

 

2. Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting Life Drawing (Xie Sheng) and Creation of Original Works, Specialized Course (Mid-Length Course)

 

A. Course Description:

This course is geared towards more advanced level students of Chinese painting. Chinese Mountain Water Painting’s central philosophy and aim is “Learning from nature, and attaining clarity within the self”. In this regard, Mountain Water Painting’s practice of life drawing (Xie Sheng) naturally teaches principles helpful for understanding the exterior world and being able to clearly perceive nature's complexity. Chinese Mountain Water painting’s method of drawing from life differs from that used in Western landscape painting, which oftentimes only chooses one point of perspective of a landscape to be represented. In contrast, Chinese Mountain Water Painting uses a unique “perspective” or “way of seeing”  that employs concepts of “seeing small in big” and “seeing big through small ” as well as the use of a “moving perspective”, in which the elements within one’s vantage point may be added to or subtracted from, and or rearranged as needed in order to more efficiently and rationally present the conditions of the given environment or realm being painted. Familiarity with Mountain Water Painting’s method of life drawing is helpful in giving students a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese Mountain Water Painting’s modes of construction and spiritual objective. Life drawing is also a helpful tool in finding references or raw materials  that can later be expanded and used in the creation of original finished works. In summery, life drawing (Xie Sheng) provides an ultimate source of direct inspiration and motivation in the creation of original works of Chinese Mountain Water Painting.

 

B. Course Objective:

Through detailed lectures on Chinese Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting’s “Methods of observation”, building on the foundational methods of painting rocks and trees, this course will incorporate actual Mountain Water life drawing practice, and will aim to enhance each student's abilities to effectively utilize the techniques of Mountain Water Painting and understand their deeper spiritual significance. Through practice, students will also expand upon and enrich their ability to use the brush and ink in the creation of works. Upon completion of this course, each student will be required to complete at least two (2) finished works based on the life drawings which they have collected during the time of class and incorporate his/her experience of life drawing methods in the creation of new works of Mountain Water Painting.

 

C. Site: The area in and around the West Lake, Hangzhou

 

D. Completion of Course Criteria: Students should gain a clear understanding of the methods used in life drawing (Xie Sheng) in Mountain Water Painting, and be able to independently apply these methods in the completion of actual works.

 

E. Total Class Period: 20 Class Periods (Four weeks)

Time: Everyday, 9:30am - 4:30pm (12:00 Lunch, Weekends off)

Course Completion: Though individuals who successfully complete the course will be awarded a special certificate of study.

 

F. Program Cost:

4000RMB/Week/Person (Not including travel expenses of on-site investigations, visits)  

Groups(8 or more), Price negotiable

Accommodation fee paid for by student

 

G. Course Syllabus

Course Period:

Content

 

 

Notes

1

”Basic Knowledge of Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting”

 

 

Explanation of course and requirements, preparation of tools and materials

2

”The Preface to Mountain Water (Shan Shui) Painting” by Southern dynasty painter Zong Bing (5th Century AD)

 

 

Explanation of course (It is recommended that each student keep a notebook for taking notes)

3

Tree Painting Method Review: Arrangement and Organization

 

 

 

4

Rock Painting Method Review: Arrangement and Organization

 

 

 

5

Wu Mountain (Wu Shan) Rock and Tree Life Drawing

 

 

Sketch Book (Note: Students are not recommended to bring tools/materials needed for ink painting)

 

Weekend

 

 

 

6

Jewel Mountain (Baoshi Shan) Rock Mountain Life Drawing; Arranging Cliff Rocks and Interlacing Rocks and Trees

 

Morning: Exploring Jewel Mountain (Baoshi Shan)

Sketch Books, (Note: Students are advised to bring tools/materials needed for painting)

 

 

 

Afternoon: Begin Life Drawing, Sketching 

 

7

Jewel Mountain (Baoshi Shan) Rock Mountain Life Drawing

 

 

Sketch Books, (Note: Students are advised to bring tools/materials needed for painting)

8

Jewel Mountain (Baoshi Shan) Rock Mountain Life Drawing

 

 

Sketch Books, (Note: Students are advised to bring tools/materials for painting)

9

Jewel Mountain (Baoshi Shan) Rock Mountain Life Drawing

 

 

Sketch Books, (Note: Students are advised to bring tools/materials for painting)

10

Compile/Organize Life Drawing Sketches and Begin Draft of Final Paintings

 

 

Sketch Books, (Note: Students are advised to bring tools/materials for painting)

 

Weekend

 

 

 

11

Seal Carving Society (Xi Ling Yin She) Life Drawing: Integrating the Natural Setting with Man-Made Architecture

 

Morning: Exploring Seal Carving Society (Xi Ling Yin She)

 

Compile and Organize Life Drawing Ink Sketches and Drafts; Begin Preparation for Completing Finished Works

 

 

Afternoon: Begin Life Drawing, Sketching

 

 

12

Seal Carving Society (Xi Ling Yin She) Life Drawing

 

 

 

13

West Lake Scenic Views Life Drawing; Learning the Basic Structures and Compositions of the Classical Chinese Garden

 

 

Students are required to produce carefully considered finished works, that both manifest the principals and rules of Mountain Water Painting and demonstrate their individual level of understanding

14

Jing Ci Temple Life Drawing

Learning the Basic Layout and Atmospheric Elements of the Temple

 

 

 

15

Compile/Organize Life Drawing Sketches and Begin Draft of Final Paintings

 

 

 

 

Weekend

 

 

 

16

Compilation and Organization of Life Drawing Works, and the Re-Creation of Newer Works

 

 

Based on the collection of raw materials and recordings compiled over the course of their process of life drawing, students will work to create an original finished work

17

Creating Original Works: from Conception to Finishing Touches

 

 

 

18

Creation and Practice (Students work on their own work)

 

 

 

19

Creation and Practice (Students work on their own work)

 

 

 

20

Creation and Practice (Students work on their own work)

 

 

 

 

3. Course Instructor

Professor Lin Haizhong, Full-time Professor of the China Academy of Art, Doctoral Advisor, Vice Director of the Center of Ancient Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal of China Academy of Art .

Course T.A: Sun Xuanmo, Teacher of Internatioanl College of China Academy of Art.


2.Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Carving--Nondegree Programme teaching in English and Chinese at the China Academy of Art



1. Course Objective:

Specialized courses in Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Carving are aimed to combine contemporary experimental modes of education in order to allow students to understand the source of Calligraphy and Seal Carving, and Chinese traditional art. In addition, these courses aim to help students gain a better grasp and level of understanding regarding classical modes of expression all while providing a means for students to inject their own sensibilities and interests into their study and creation of Calligraphy and Seal Carving.

 

2. Course Instructor

Professor Shen Leping, Full-time Professor of the China Academy of Art, Doctoral Advisor, Vice President of the school of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy of China Academy of Art, Vice Director of Department of Calligraphy of China Academy of Art.

Course T.A: Luan Tikun , Teacher of Internatioanl College of China Academy of Art.

 

3. Course Outline

A. Calligraphy

Course Serial Number:

Course Title:

Course Outline:

1

Calligraphy Common Knowledge

History of Calligraphy ; Holding the Brush; The Scholar’s Study, an Explanation 

2

Line Quality Training

Using basic brush strokes and movements to translate chosen forms into the physical written language of Calligraphy  (Using the brush to write Small Seal script) using  Center-Tip Brush “Zhong Feng”, using Side-Tip Brush “Ce Feng”, Concealed-Tip Brush “Cang Feng”, Revealed-Tip Brush “Lou Feng”,  Picking-up "Ti" and Pushing-down "An" movements of the brush.

3

Character Structural Training

1.Explanation and practice regarding "Tight/reserved" areas "Shou" verses "Open/released" areas "Fang" in the structure of each character. (For Example: Managing the 2-D space, 3-D space)2. Training and Explanation regarding “Inward Tucking” and “ Outward Extending” of the character. 3. Training and explanation regarding the concept of “Treating White (empty space) as Black  (form).” 4.Training and Explanation regarding “Straight/Correct/Upright” vs. “Titled/Slanted/Incorrect” posture of the character. 5.Training and Explanation regarding “Interlacing/Interweaving”

4

 Stylistic Training

1. Specific modes of Stylistic expression2. How to use line, structure and space to express style

5

Script Style Training

Seal, Clerical, Regular, Running, Cursive

6

 Emulation and Close Observation Training

1. The importance of Emulation and studying from classical models (Why do we use emulation?)2. How do we ‘Emulate” something?(From emulation to the creation of original works). 3. Training regarding the emulation of different script styles of Calligraphy

7

 Creation of Original Works Training

1. The different forms2. The different materials. 3. Integrating script style,  form, and material. 4. Integrating style, form and material

 

B. Seal Carving

Course Serial Number:

Course Title:

Course Description:

1

Seal Carving: Basic Knowledge 

History of Seal Carving ; Holding the Knife, Materials

2

The Method of Carving (Using the Knife) Training

 

(Carving Forms and Patterns Training: Straight line forms, Curved lines creating patterns)1.Usi "Chong Dao" Technique. 2."Qie Dao" Technique

3

Carving Seals of Figurative Representation Training

1. Animal Form Seals2. Figure Form Seals

4

Character Seals Training

1. Emulating Ancient Seals2. Creation of Single-Character Seals

 

4. Program Cost:

4000RMB/Week/Person (Not including travel expenses of on-site investigations, visits)  

Groups(8 or more), Price negotiable

Accommodation fee paid for by student



3.Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Appreciation, Specialized Courses

a) Course Objective:

The art forms of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy possess a unique and complete system of aesthetic evaluation and appreciation. In addition to representing visual art forms with distinct characteristics, they also contain rich and profound cultural wisdom and heritage.  Combining the use of brush, ink, paper and inkstone, along with the synthesis of poetry, calligraphy, painting and seal-carving, such disciplines embody the specialty of Chinese culture and the Literati tradition.  They manifest the brilliance of China's civilization and development, and serve as the marrow of China's cultural legacy. This course aims to provide well-rounded instruction on the appraisal/judgement and appreciation of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy's different areas, to enhance and deepen each students' knowledge regarding Chinese traditional culture, painting and calligraphy.   

 

Two: Course Instructor


Professor Wu Gan, Full-time Professor of the China Academy of Art, Doctoral Advisor, Director of the Center of Ancient Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal of China Academy of Art 

 

b)Course Period: Three Weeks

Week One: History of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, Survey 

Introduction to the history of Chinese painting and calligraphy; explanations regarding the specific characteristics of different periods and schools, and an overview of the basic principles of appreciation and artistic appraisal of Chinese painting and calligraphy. 

 

Week Two:  Museum Study-Tour

Field-visits to museums, close observation and emulation of famous works of art institutions; the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, the Shanghai Museum, Suzhou Musuem, Nanjing Musuem etc. (Designated field-trips will be arranged according to the current exhibitions on display at time of coursework.)


Week Three: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal/Analysis and Brush and Ink Practical Application

Emulation and analysis/appreciation of famous works of painting and calligraphy, practice of the brush and ink,  critiques by advisor/tutorial professor.  Participants will be issued a specialized, advanced studies certificate diploma. 


c)Program Cost:

4000RMB/Week/Person (Not including travel expenses of on-site investigations, visits)

Groups(8 or more), Price negotiable

Accommodation fee paid for by student


Contact

Internatioanl College of China Academy of Art

Tel: 86-571-87164711,87164712

Fax: 86-571-87164711

E-mail: caaic@163.com

Web : http://admission.caa.edu.cn/