We are delighted to welcome back Genevieve to the Purbeck Workshop for our Teapots and Still Life workshop.
According to legend, tea was first discovered in China by Emperor Shen Nong in approximately 2737 BC when some stray leaves from an overhead tree floated into his cup of boiling water. Shen Nong’s interests were herbalism and farming, and henceforth tea became known for its tonic, therapeutic properties.
Even today in modern China, tea is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Throughout the dynasties, the preparation and serving of tea has evolved. To the Chinese, drinking tea is so much more than a tea bag in a mug. The Japanese adopted tea drinking after Buddhist monks travelling from China introduced them to it, and their tea drinking rituals are also considered sacrosanct.
In this Chinese brush painting workshop, Genevieve will bring along some of her Chinese teapots for inspiration. The aim is to create still life paintings with personality and energy (Qi) – to achieve this, Genevieve will encourage you to use both your dominant and non-dominant hand. There will be a vase of fresh flowers, and you are welcome to interpret these how you wish.
You will be painting with Chinese ink and brushes on Chinese Xuan paper and Genevieve will demonstrate how brushes can be used to sketch characterfully.
As always, the absorbent Chinese paper provides both frustration and delight, but the important thing is to enjoy the painting journey! Like many things in life, skill comes with a lot of practice. If you’re a complete beginner, don’t be put off. This painting group is friendly and we applaud all results!
Who can attend?
Our free-to-attend classes are for anyone who has had a recent or previous cancer diagnosis, or if you have been bereaved through cancer, or if you are a family member or carer in need of a creative escape - you are very welcome to attend.
About Us
Please note we are a self-funded charity with no Government financial support. If you would like to find out more about the Purbeck Workshop, please visit our website https://www.purbeckworkshop.org
