Calligraphic Oils

Asia is an interesting place to create art. It is in a state of dynamic change in which thousands of years of history are clashing with international ideas. This clash makes much of Asia's modern art quite thought provoking.

While modern Asia art is thought provoking, the traditional ink paintings exist more in the emotional realm. Much of the style involves being economical with lines to create an image that inspires the imagination. If you look at a Chinese painting, the image seems to come alive. It isn't the painting itself that is coming alive, but the imagination of the beholder that has been triggered, and is filling the gaps of the painting with their own feelings.

At times, westerners have been a bit critical of Chinese ink painters because they seem to lack individuality. Personally though, I think saying that that Chinese artists lack individuality because they have not invented a new style would be like saying Ludwig van Beethoven lacked individuality because he didn't invent a new musical instrument. By working within the contraints of a common style, Asians have been able to attain refinement. Personally, I find a refined piece of ink art much more interesting that a piece of western conceptual art that visually conveys an artist’s pondering on a banal topic that I just have no interest in, or a simplistic view on a complex topic that i do have interest in.

Working with Chinese ink is very gratifying because it allows sweeping brush strokes where the ink flows like water. The ease allows for a lot of expression to be imparted in the creative process. Unfortunately, it doesn’t allow for mistakes. As a result, it is beyond my capabilities. Furthermore, it is not suited to my temperament. Sometimes I like the painting to reveal itself to me, but with ink, the painting must be conceived in the mind before being produced on the paper. Incorporating elements of Asian art into oil paintings has allowed me to attain a balance between the two. I gain the beauty and refinement of Asian art, but can infuse some more cognitive aspects into the visual emotions.

Rise of China

Chinese Girl with Her Legs Open

Woman with her Back to the Artist

Woman in Icongraphy