Cheng Yan captures all the freshness and spontaneity of Chinese brush painting in this beautiful, inspiring guide. Using step-by-step photographs and his own evocative pictures, he teaches all the techniques needed to paint animals, birds, fish and insects. Learn how to create atmosphere in landscapes and transform flowers and plants into wonderful works of art.

Yan guides the artist through all the traditional techniques, illustrating how to master composition, inks, paints and traditional brushstrokes. Detail is as important as a spontaneous style; leaves, stems bamboo, feathers, scales and blossom are clearly depicted and Yan also explores texture, blending colours to define shapes and outlines.