Bamboo, an evergreen perennial woody plant, belongs to the grass family (bamboo subfamily). Its structure is divided into parts such as bamboo rhizomes, bamboo shoots, bamboo stems, bamboo branches, and bamboo leaves. Its stem is cylindrical, hollow with joints. It can be used to make tools or building materials, papermaking raw materials, etc., and has a wide range of uses. Its tender sprout is called bamboo shoot, which is delicious and edible.
The content of painting bamboo [calligraphy and painting wholesale] is very rich, for example: the use of brush, strength, ink in painting bamboo; the structure and layout of painting bamboo; painting wind bamboo, rain bamboo, sunny bamboo; painting bamboo shoots, bamboo stems, bamboo branches, bamboo leaves; painting young bamboo, mature bamboo, etc. After much thought, I believe that the success or failure of painting bamboo crucially depends on the use of brush, strength, and ink. Taking these three points as examples, with bamboo stems, bamboo joints, bamboo branches, and bamboo leaves, I will briefly state my humble opinions as follows:
1. The secret of painting bamboo stems
When painting bamboo, one should first determine the number of bamboo plants according to the width and size of the painting, the distance of the branches and leaves, their orientation and vitality, and the height of the ground. Then, from tip to root, paint section by section, ensuring the continuity of the brushwork. The tip has short joints, gradually becoming longer until reaching the middle, then gradually shorter again. The strength increases gradually until reaching the base, where the joints are shortest and thickest, making the bamboo strong and powerful. When painting bamboo stems, avoid common mistakes such as overly vertical stems, imbalanced weight distribution, aligned joints when drawing stems, misplaced branches and leaves, and rigid compositions.
(1) The secret of using the brush when painting bamboo stems
(1) Using the brush while painting bamboo stems in suspension: Generally, use the wrist-suspended central peak technique. Before painting the bamboo stem, adjust the brush tip properly and have a clear plan in mind. Paint from top to bottom in one continuous stroke without stopping. If there's any hesitation, the ink will seep too much into the paper, causing uneven thickness in the bamboo stem, resulting in an unsatisfactory painting that must be discarded.
(2) Using the brush for varying thicknesses when painting bamboo stems: Regardless of whether the bamboo stem is thick or thin, always use the central peak technique. The key lies in the amount of force applied, especially at the moment of pressing down and lifting up. For thicker stems, press down harder; for thinner stems, lift up more gently. This is difficult to master and requires ample practice to grasp its essence.
(3) The method of using the brush when painting bamboo stems: Generally, use the central peak technique, painting from top to bottom until reaching the root. However, this is not absolute. In my opinion, painting from the bottom upwards to the tip is also acceptable, provided the technique is mastered. Note that when painting upwards from the root, use the side peak technique, which is difficult to control but makes the bamboo appear more robust and vigorous. This technique is often used by skilled bamboo painters, but beginners should use it cautiously.
(3) The secret of using ink when painting bamboo stems
(1) Representing depth perception: Regarding the scene, whether painting 1, 2, or 3 bamboo stems, regardless of size or thickness, both concentrated and diluted ink can be used, though generally diluted ink is preferable. This is because diluted ink allows for the perspective changes in the bamboo stems to be visible. For three or more stems, the ink should vary to show the difference between the darker foreground bamboo and the lighter background bamboo. Simultaneously, it shows the effect of the farther ones being lighter and more distant, creating a deep and mysterious impression. This applies specifically to painting, which differs greatly from reality. In actuality, the deeper inside the bamboo forest, the darker it becomes, eventually turning pitch black. However, when painting, it shouldn't be painted completely black. This is something bamboo painters should avoid.
(2) Using ink to represent the strength of bamboo stems: Each bamboo stem should use ink evenly, preferably diluted ink, which highlights the fine texture of the bamboo, making the boundaries clear and naturally smooth. The tip should be lighter, gradually darkening downwards until the root. This ensures the texture won't be continuous. If concentrated ink is used, it's hard to depict the strength of the bamboo. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using concentrated ink for bamboo stems.
(2) The secret of applying strength when painting bamboo stems: Painting bamboo is referred to as writing bamboo due to the emphasis on strength.
(1) Painting bamboo stems requires arm strength. Specifically, painting thick bamboo stems requires the entire arm and waist strength; if painting thin bamboo stems, mainly use forearm strength supported by elbow strength. This is because painting bamboo stems should depict their straightness and sturdiness, as well as their upward spirit, resilience, and unstoppable momentum.
(2) The secret of applying strength when painting bamboo stems: Grip the brush tightly with your fingers, keep the wrist straight and immobile, wield the brush swiftly and forcefully, completing it in one breath. Maintain a consistent posture and speed throughout the process.
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