Demonstration Art

A new painting technique is introduced in this lesson: genpitsu. Its literal meaning is "economized brush strokes". Genpitsu is a technique in which an extreme omission of brush strokes expresses a symbolic form of the subject matter. My main demonstration painting of Daruma illustrates the technique.

First, some calligraphy.

Calligraphy

The two kanji words below are the same. The difference is that the one on the left is in the formal textbook style of writing, kaisho, and the version on the right is written in sōsho, script form. There is an another form of script called gyōsho which is shaped midway between kaisho and sōsho.

The word or phrase, attributed to Daruma, is nana-korobi-yaoki (If you fall down seven times, get up eight). The expression is very well known in Japanese culture.

Paintings

The genpitsu technique used in my main demonstration painting can be very challenging because of the high degree of control required in the large brush stroke. That is why I have provided an alternate subject below based on Sesshu's Daruma painting for anyone who wishes to try it instead--or in addition to. Your choice.

Begin by painting the top of the head and then the face.

Here is my demonstration painting. The use of the genpitsu technique should be obvious.