Tools & Materials

A Chinese brush painter typically has in his or her studio what are called "The Four Treasures" in Chinese brush painting: bamboo brush, ink stick, ink stone and rice paper.

Unlike Western painting, the bristles on a bamboo brush are long, capable of holding three values of color or tone. When brushstrokes are made, the colors blend on the surface support.

An ink stick is compressed soot from pine or other trees. Yellow Mountain Pine is commonly used in traditional materials.

With a variety of shapes, sizes and intricate carvings, ink stones are an art form in themselves. At the start of the painting process, Lynn grinds an ink stick into her ink stone in a circular motion. This creates a meditative state, which helps focus energy into her artwork.

Rice paper can be made from mulberry paper pulp. It comes in sheets or rolls to suit the painter's needs.