Exploring Mineral Pigment Painting
Mineral pigments were commonly used in Buddhist paintings like the murals inside the Dunhuang Cave as well as in Chinese architectural decorations. Before the popularity of the ink and wash painting, mineral pigment painting played a dominant role in Chinese art and had a direct influence on modern Japanese painting.
Because mineral pigments are not water-soluble, mineral pigment painting has multiple distinct colour layers compared to other kinds of paint and often has a shiny effect light refracts off its surface.
Based on the skills and techniques of Japanese painting, this course provides participants with a comprehensive introduction of mineral pigment painting. It covers all the fundamentals and is suitable for participants with basic knowledge of painting. Participants will have the chance to create their own mineral pigment painting by the end of the course.
Course Objectives
- To introduce the medium, tools, process and techniques of mineral pigment painting
- To experience mineral pigment painting through both demonstrations by the master and hands-on practice
- To learn the techniques of tradition Japanese painting
- To capture the vivid colour layering in mineral pigment painting
Lesson 1:
Introduce the historical development and cultural significance of mineral pigment painting.
Appreciation of modern mineral pigment paintings. Material preparation.
Lesson 2:
Demonstration of painting with mineral pigments and metallic leaf. Preparing the painting surface.
Lesson 3:
Guideline on drawing a sketch for the mineral pigment painting – still-life sketching, tone simplifying, and colour choice.
Lesson 4:
Painting with mineral pigment and metallic leaf.
Lesson 5:
Retouching the painting and critique
Tutor
Chung Tai Fu
Chung graduated with a BA degree from the Fine Arts Department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and MFA degree at the Tokyo National University of Fine Art and Music in 1990. He has won awards in numerous international exhibitions that include the Drawing award and the Printmaking Award at the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Biennial 1985 and 1989; the Honorable Mention Award at both the 6th Seoul International Print Biennial and the 5th International Biennial Print Exhibition, ROC Taiwan; Printmaker of the Year Award sponsored by the Hong Kong Artists’ Guild in 1992; and the Silver Award at The Tokyo International Print Exhibition 1993. He has held solo art exhibitions In Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Tokyo, London and Vancouver. His works are collected by private collectors and the Art Museum. In recent years, he uses mineral pigment as a medium for his creations.
| Period | 14 June to 12 July 2025 (every Saturday) |
| Time | 1:00-4:00pm |
| No. of Lesson | 5 (Total of 15 hours) |
| Fee | HK$3,990 (HK$450 Materials Fee is included) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | Cantonese |
| Art Medium | Mineral Pigment |
| Course Code | ASSC-3295B-R |
| Age | 16+ |
| Entry Requirement | Have basic knowledge and experience in drawing |
| Venue | 15/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre |
