There are significant differences between Chinese painting and Western oil painting in terms of artistic concepts, expression techniques, material selection, and aesthetic orientation, and the following are some of the main contrasts:
1.Artistic Concept:
Chinese painting emphasizes "the intention of the brush first", pays attention to the expression of the painter's emotions and artistic conceptions, and pursues the resemblance of the god rather than the likeness.
Western oil painting attaches more importance to the representation and rational analysis of the real world, and pursues the accurate depiction of shapes and the true expression of light and shadow effects.
2.Expression:
Chinese painting uses lines as the main means of modeling, and creates a sense of space and atmosphere through the use of ink shades, dry and wet changes, and the use of blank space.
Western oil painting, on the other hand, relies on color and chiaroscuro (i.e., chiaroscuro) to create three-dimensional images and deep spaces, while using perspective to represent three-dimensional space.
3.Materials and Tips:
Chinese painting mainly uses traditional materials such as brushes, ink and rice paper, and sometimes mineral pigments.
Western oil paintings, on the other hand, use oil pastels and knives to paint on canvas or wood, using oil-based pigments, which can be applied and modified in multiple layers.
4.Aesthetic Orientation:
Chinese painting advocates concise, subtle and symbolic expression, emphasizing the inner spiritual temperament and cultural connotation.
Western oil painting tends to be direct, figurative, and individualized, focusing on the revelation of individual images and emotions.
5.Topics and Content:
The traditional themes of Chinese painting, including landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, and calligraphy, often contain philosophical and moral edifications.
The subject matter of Western oil painting is more extensive, including historical scenes, religious stories, portraits, landscapes, still lifes, etc., reflecting the diversity of social life and humanistic thought.
6.Framing & Presentation Methods:
Chinese paintings are usually framed in the form of scrolls, albums, or vertical scrolls, which need to be unfolded or hung up when viewed.
Western oil paintings, on the other hand, are mostly framed and suitable for hanging on the wall.
These differences reflect the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, philosophical concepts and artistic traditions, but modern artists often borrow and integrate different artistic elements and techniques, making artistic creation more diversified and global.