Waves upon Waves, Sparse and Dense Outlining—— An Analysis of Water-Outlining Techniques in Traditional Chinese Painting

Abstract

Water is the core element of Chinese painting. It is not only a common object in painting, but also the key to the expression of artistic conception. As the foundation of Chinese painting brush and ink techniques, lines are the core carrier of waterscape. By analyzing the classic masterpieces of the past dynasties,the author deeply studies the method of water-outlining in traditional Chinese paintings, and summarizes six principal water patterns: the Flowing Ripple Pattern, Fish-scale Pattern, Net Vein Pattern, Zigzag Pattern, Whirlpool Pattern,and Wave Pattern. This study sorts out the evolution process of various types of water patterns from early stylized modeling to flexible and emotional expression.Besides, it analyzes how the changes of writing techniques such as the weight of writing, the urgency of writing, and the straight lines explain the different forms of water. In this study, the author believes that the water-outlining technique is not only a simple copy of the form of water, but also carries the painter's understanding of the natural landscape and expresses his aesthetic and spiritual pursuit. In summary, the continuous evolution of various types of water-outlining technique has expanded the dimension of ink expression in Chinese painting,forming a classic visual paradigm which has spread so far. Thus,more paintings can better show the spirit and vitality of water.