Goward House

After retiring from many years of teaching Fine Arts at the secondary school level, I was delighted to discover the world of Chinese Brush Painting. It was inspiring to learn the traditional techniques and philosophies of this ancient art, and I was fortunate to have studied  with teachers, Nenagh Molson and John Nip.

Chinese Brush Painting presents variety in all aspects of painting including composition, brushwork, the use of unique papers and the intricacies of mounting the finished painting. Each step presents challenges that provide interest and a feeling of accomplishment when completed.

One of my greatest pleasures is to share the enthusiasm for the medium with fellow Chinese Brush Painters at the Studio for Harmonious Endeavours (Goward House) and the Studio for Perseverance in Study (Monterey Centre).

Barbara is a native Victorian and a Chartered Accountant, now retired.

I’ve been a keen photographer all my life and this interest led me into painting. About 25 years ago, I began pencil drawing and watercolour painting, eventually turning to Chinese Brush Painting in the early 1990’s and Chinese calligraphy a few years ago. My fascination with this inspirational and challenging medium continues today. Fortunately, I have been able to study under many wonderful artists, most recently under Mr. John Nip and Nenagh Molson.

I have participated in many local art shows and sales, and am looking forward to continuing to share my work through the shows.

I began oriental art painting 10 years ago, after painting in other mediums.

As I proceeded in this medium I have realized the difficulties of rules, color, and the researching of the subject to be painted, with his placement on very light rice paper. It is a very exacting medium, sometimes difficult. With new painting strokes, and they’re very complicated it has been educational. I have found that these difficult painting strokes have become easier when I do my watercolors.

With all of the work I have enjoyed many books on the subject. For example the painting of rocks, animals, plants and so forth. It is amazing how much you learn by reading method, line and more.

I will continue to paint for many years to come, wishing I could study more within the medium, especially creating my own ideas.

John is the Executive Director of Spirit Bear Art Farm, a Canadian artist and writers retreat on the West coast of Vancouver Island. For over 12 years, he has been studying with the distinguished John Nip in the tradition of Chinese Brush Painting.  He is a member of The Studio for Perseverance in Study of Calligraphy and Art, and The Studio of Harmonious Endeavors.  His work can be found at The Gallery of Great Things in Waimea, Hawaii and at Living Arts Gallery in Hawi, Hawaii. He has been selected to be one of the Artisans of Mauna Kea.

“I consider my work to be in the tradition of an ancient contemplative art. The practice and creation of these works are a kind of meditation and are a connection to the mysterious and the sublime. The works can be objects of art as well as personal objects of contemplation.”

Bio coming.

I started Chinese Brush Stroke painting in early 2016 with lessons from Andy Lou.  Joining the Goward House & Monterey painting groups has been a delight for me.  Painting with such a lovely group of people who absolutely love Chinese Brush Stroke painting & are so helpful is very inspiring for me.

This painting called, you guessed it, “Sunflowers” is the first painting I actually liked.  It is also special to me because the Chinese Calligraphy was written by John Nip.

An introductory class in Chinese Brush Painting nine years ago led to complete captivation with this art form. I am drawn to the simplicity of materials, the fascination of centuries-old techniques, and the amazing effects that can be achieved with a few brushstrokes. My current favorite subjects include such traditions as plum, chrysanthemum, bamboo, cats, and horses. Weekly sessions with the Studio of Harmonious Endeavours offer much-needed opportunities for both inspiration and perspiration! I blog about my brush painting experiences at:
www.followmybrushmarks.wordpress.com

Nenagh was originally trained in art and design at the Vancouver School of Art. She continued to study at the Cunningham School of Art in California and Beaux Arts in Montreal, Quebec. In 1964, she was commissioned to design the commemorative seal and stamp for the McGill University Medical Expedition to Faster Island and designed and painted sets for numerous theatre and ballet productions.

In 1967, after living and travelling in Europe, Nenagh returned to Victoria where she continued to paint, but it was not until 1975 that she met teacher Stephen Sham who sparked her interest in Chinese Painting. For eight years, under his guidance, she learned the traditional disciplines of ink brush on rice paper, mounting techniques and aesthetics.

Following these years of study, Nenagh devoted herself to teaching Chinese Brush Painting classes and workshops at the Greater Victoria Art Gallery, the Canadian College for Chinese Studies and Camosun College. She presently teaches at Goward House in Victoria.

Since 1985, Nenagh’s Chinese paintings have been exhibited in various galleries throughout Victoria and a few pieces are featured in private collections in Hong Kong, London, Montreal, Calgary and Hawaii.

I was born in England but have lived in Victoria since 1968.  After a busy career in the health services, raising a family and doing volunteer work, I became interested in learning to express myself through art.  I was drawn to study oriental painting by the use of white space, and the methods used to express the chi of the subject through a minimum of brush strokes, and the beauty of the calligraphy.  I have studied with professional artist Nenagh Molson and with noted calligrapher John Nip.  Chinese brush painting is my passion, I have collected a number of books on the subject and my goal is to improve my skills through constant practice.