an old master

This is an emulation of a painting by the old master Qi Baishi. The cicada is done in a very realistic, defining style. One can appreciate the veins on the translucent wings. The lone cicada

is hugging a stylistic banana leaf. This simplistic arrangement creates motion and serenity at the same time. I enjoyed painting the life like insect, and the deliberate, forceful side tip brushing of the banana leaf.

This painting actually evoked a lively discussion between one of my teachers and I. My teacher does not condone the mixing of styles, i.e. the insect borders on the Gonbi style of exact lines and forms, and the leaf is a definite Xieyi style, which emphasizes on free, impressionistic brush strokes.

I especially enjoyed the Zen like quality of this painting. I often times find myself in the room with just this painting in the light, and do my day dreaming.