"Qing" (feeling) is a fundamental concept in Xieyi painting, emphasizing the importance of artists imbuing their work with personal emotion and genuine expression, requiring sensitivity, observation, and technical skill to convey feelings through brushstrokes, composition, and connecting with viewers on a deeply human level.
The "Reversed Brush" (nìfēng) in Xieyi involves starting a stroke by moving the brush in the opposite direction, then reversing to create strong, textured, dynamic lines, conveying a sense of force, resistance, and visual interest, while requiring precise control and a deep understanding of brush responsiveness.
"Spirit of the Brush" (bǐyì) is central to Xieyi, emphasizing the unique expressive quality and energy that emanates from the brushstrokes, reflecting the artist's inner state, personal vision, and technical mastery, with each brushstroke imbued with intention, life, and a sense of spontaneity.
Xieyi painting is a deeply personal form of expression, allowing artists to share their inner world, interpret their subject matter freely, and create unique artworks that reflect their individual vision, emotions, and experiences, making it a vehicle for both artistic expression and self-discovery.
Xieyi painting is a powerful medium for expressing a wide range of emotions through brushstrokes, ink washes, subject matter, and the artist's state of mind, connecting with viewers on a deeply human and emotional level.
'Yi' is a central concept in Xieyi painting, referring to the inner intent, meaning, and spirit that the artist aims to convey, emphasizing intuitive expression, suggestive imagery, and the viewer's active participation in interpreting the artwork.
This article explores the symbolic elements within Xieyi painting, focusing on how subjects, composition, and brushwork contribute to the expression of the artist's inner world and cultural values.