Water is a versatile subject in Xieyi, depicted through washes and expressive brushstrokes to convey fluidity, transparency, movement, and its symbolic connection to life, change, and nature, adding atmosphere and depth to landscape paintings, with varied forms representing a spectrum of feeling and power.
This article explores the depiction of water in Gongbi painting, highlighting the techniques used to capture its flow and movement, the use of color to suggest its depth, symbolic significance, and how it enhances the overall sense of harmony and balance within the artwork.
The depiction of water, with all its fluidity, dynamism, and reflective qualities, is a significant element in many Gongbi paintings. Artists employ a variety of techniques to capture the movement, texture, and atmospheric effects of water, ranging from still ponds and meandering streams to rushing waterfalls and expansive seas. The depiction of water is often a central element of a successful composition, adding depth and beauty to a piece.