Discover the elegance of Chinese brush painting in this hands-on beginners course in Sydney. Rooted in centuries of Chinese culture, this expressive art form combines calligraphy and painting using ink and brush to capture the spirit of nature.
You will explore the Four Gentlemen (Four Noble Ones) in Chinese plant painting: Plum Blossom (Winter), Orchid (Spring), Bamboo (Summer), and Chrysanthemum (Autumn). Each plant symbolises a season and embodies distinctive qualities that enrich your artistic expression.
Your tutor will guide you through essential techniques including brush control, calligraphy skills, and the balance of ink and water to create light, shade, and texture. Using sample artworks for inspiration, you will develop confidence in composing your own paintings that reflect seasonal beauty and symbolic meaning.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the history and categories of classical Chinese painting (figures, birds, plants and landscapes).
- Interpret the symbolism of the Four Gentlemen representing the four seasons.
- Create a finished artwork combining brush techniques, ink control and calligraphy.
Course Content
- Brush handling and foundational calligraphy techniques.
- Ink and water control to achieve tonal variation and shading.
- Painting bamboo stems, branches and leaves, progressing to complete compositions.
- Copying a small-scale bamboo artwork to consolidate skills.
Schedule & Pricing
- 6-week course, 6:30pm–8:30pm sessions.
- Course fee: $449.
- Location: Rozelle Campus, 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039.
Additional Information
- Closed-in shoes required.
- Please wear old clothes or bring an apron.
- Content may vary depending on class pace and participant interests.
Details
You will learn
- Foundations of Chinese brush painting and its history
- Symbolism of the Four Gentlemen across the seasons
- Brush, ink and water techniques for tonal variation
You will get
- Expert guidance from an experienced tutor
- Use of brushes, ink and Chinese paper in class
- A completed seasonal brush painting artwork
Appropriate for
Beginners, those with calligraphy experience, and artists exploring a new style of art.
Preparation
What to bring
- Medium and small brown hair line brushes (optional)
- Chinese paper (roll or pad) if preferred
- Chinese ink if bringing your own materials
What to wear
Closed-in shoes; wear old clothes or bring an apron
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Tags:
Chinese Brush Painting Course: Beginners
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