Chinese Brush Painting for Beginners
Discover the elegance of Chinese brush painting in Sydney. This beginner-friendly course explores the traditional relationship between calligraphy, ink, brushwork and painting, rooted in Chinese culture and history.
You will learn about the Four Gentlemen, also known as the Four Noble Ones, in Chinese plant painting: Plum Blossom for Winter, Orchid for Spring, Bamboo for Summer and Chrysanthemum for Autumn. Each plant represents a season and helps you capture mood, movement and seasonal essence in your artwork.
Your tutor will guide you through essential techniques including brush control, calligraphy skills, ink and water management, and the use of sample artworks for inspiration. Whether you are new to painting or have some previous art or calligraphy experience, this course offers a rewarding introduction to traditional Chinese brush painting.
Course Content
- Develop brush control and calligraphy-inspired mark making for expressive painting effects.
- Use ink and water to create tone, shade, texture and balance in your artwork.
- Practise seasonal plant motifs, with course focus varying across Plum Blossom, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum.
Schedule & Pricing
- Listed session: 29 October 2026 to 3 December 2026.
- Time: Thursdays, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Price: $449, including GST.
Additional Information
- Brushes, ink and Chinese paper are provided.
- Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests and instructor approach.
- After completing this course, you may wish to continue with a calligraphy course.
Details
You will learn
- Understand the history and symbolism of classical Chinese painting categories and seasonal plant motifs.
- Use brush control, calligraphy techniques, ink and water to create expressive tones and textures.
- Create a Chinese brush painting that combines traditional brushwork and calligraphic skills.
You will get
- Tutor guidance using sample artworks and demonstrations.
- Use of provided brushes, ink and Chinese paper during class.
- A practical introduction to traditional Chinese brush painting techniques.
Appropriate for
Beginners, people with previous calligraphy experience, and artists interested in exploring a new traditional art style.
Preparation
What to bring
- Optional personal materials: medium line brush, smaller line brush, Chinese paper and Chinese ink.
- Closed-in shoes and old clothes or an apron.
- Hair tie if you have long hair.
What to wear
Closed-in shoes required; wear old clothes or bring an apron; long hair must be tied back.
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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Chinese Brush Painting for Beginners
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