NiZan Tree Method To Study

Landscape painting in the Yuan Dynasty occupies an important position in China’s Fine Arts history, connecting Five Dynasties, two Song Dynasties and the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Ni Zan, as a distinguished representative of the Four Masters in Yuan Dynasty, preferred to work on landscapes along Taihu lake, composing on broad gardens mostly in traditional and simplistic brushwork. His artistic style is pure and quiet, and competing in simplicity.The formation of a rusty depression scored "Yi ge". Nizan had a very high reputation among the literati and officialdom. His tree-painting-style was quite different from others: one tree with one unique style. In nowadays, under the circumstances of being respectful to tradition and tracing back to origins, it’s meaningful to dig into the masters and their masterpieces.Zhao Mengfu’s idea on immerging into painting through calligraphy had influenced not only the Four Masters in Yuan Dynasty but also inspired modern artists who are willing to create on Literati landscape painting and to renew the painting traditions. This article is based on NiZan’s 6 Gentlemen Figure Tree Method Research, exploring the context of his artistic heritage, development and innovation from skills to theories. The key point is to guide my personal practice on facsimile, sketch and creation with his methodology.