Sketch on a Summer Day 1981

Li Huasheng made this ‘Sketch on a Summer Day’ with ink and colour on paper, using traditional Chinese painting techniques. It’s amazing how he makes a scene, not through exact details, but through a fluid, almost improvisational approach. I am really drawn to the way he uses color – transparent washes layered to create depth and shadow. Look at the rock formation at the bottom; the pigment pools and blends, giving the impression of volume and texture. The brushwork is so free, especially in the trees and the flock of birds overhead. Each stroke seems to capture a sense of movement and energy, like the whole scene is alive and breathing. I think the figures are interesting: the straw hats appear to have been simplified down to their most essential forms. The lines are confident and direct, as if he’s capturing the essence of a moment rather than a literal depiction. This reminds me a little of some of the landscapes by the Ming Dynasty painter, Shen Zhou. There is a similar emphasis on capturing the spirit of nature through expressive brushwork, but it feels as though Li is adding a contemporary flavour to a traditional genre. In essence, art is a never ending conversation, where artists build upon the ideas of those who came before, while also bringing their own unique perspectives to the table.