How to paint Black Ink Bamboo leaves in Sumi-e Chinese Brush technique

[@ButterFly-cw7sj]

Hello! It's 2023 and I just found this video so fresh and classic. This will forever be useful for generations to come. I have watched hundreds of short and long videos on painting bamboo leaves but this is the first time I've ever really watched something so close, so precise, so delicate and so relaxing. The instructions, the demo, the movements, the choreography, everything is just so wonderful. It's like an explosion of beauty. Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope to learn the technique and be able to paint bamboo which is my favorite. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Delighted to read that you find it helpful. Bamboo is the subject we start with and our understanding of it grows and develops through the years. You have years of fascination and practice ahead of you!🤩

[@24NunuGraph]

I totally agree. I am studying this video in 2024 because it is outstanding and so beautiful. Thank you so much. Greetings from Spain

[@ellengeyer5000]

One of the best explanations of the various leaf stroke varieties.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you so much for your comment. I'm delighted you found my video helpful. Be sure to check out others in my playlists.

[@tonimcdowall2427]

I’ve just picked up your book from my towns library! I was very grateful to see you have a KZbin channel also. Thank you

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I hope your adventures into sumi-e and Chinese brush painting are as exciting as mine have been!

[@doreenfong6264]

This is excellent for beginners (like me)....the visual and verbal detailed instructions are very clear and helpful in learning outside of a classroom environment. I love the simplicity and beauty of this style. I have books with similar instructions but I learn best with video and verbal guidance. Thank you for sharing your talent!!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks, Fong! So glad to hear that it was helpful!

[@mimosasamosa]

I have never seen any artist paint such beautiful bamboo leaves before. Thank you so much ma'am!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+Anamika Rathore Thanks so much for your kind comment! You may enjoy my joyfulbrush blog. I am posting mini videos and tutorials every week. Happy painting!

[@BonnieCanning]

This is the best lesson on Bamboo Leaves that I have ever seen! Thanks, Virginia!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+Bonnie Canning Thanks, Bonnie! Glad you found it useful. Looking forward to seeing you in March!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Glad it helped. I think Oriental Art Supply and Blue Heron Arts may both have KZbin videos describing the different brushes and their uses. Brushes don't have to be expensive to be good. I would go with a medium bamboo/orchid brush and a Happy Dot brush to start off with. Natural bristle is best. Soak your new brushes in cold water before using as they come with the bristles glued to protect the point of the brush. Good luck and happy painting!

[@reynaldoong8077]

Your demonstrations are pristine and so inspirational. I guess there is no other way to perfection than constant practice and mastery with the Chinese brush and familiarity with the paper itself. Master I-Hsiung Ju will certainly be so proud of you wherever he may now be. Specially when we will feature his contribution to the arts in this year's St. Stephen's High School Centennial Celebration in Manila on July. His family, specially his wife and two daughters will attend the occassion. Once more, I am learning a lot from your tutorial series and hope to practice constantly with you and Master Ju's guidance on the path to understanding the true essence of Oriental art and culture.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

How lovely to hear from you and to know that you will be honoring Master I-Hsiung Ju in Manila in July. I feel him smiling in my heart! You are so right that constant practice is the key. Even he would say that he was still learning, right up until his death. I am glad that you are enjoying my tutorials - I am proud to be able to continue on his legacy. Happy painting!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

There is no doubt that that the 'ink meditation' is powerful.

[@virginiachi4852]

Thank you so much for sharing your creative wisdom! I just recently started painting in this style. My mother in law painted, and just passed away 1 month ago. We used to paint together. She left me all her beautiful artwork, and supplies.

[@andyg.9406]

Incredible, I'm so very much looking forward to trying this Artwork. 🖌, Thanks.

[@777777657]

Thanks again for getting back to me so quickly.. i watch your you tube site almost every day

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

That's great! Thanks for watching!

[@peterlazos1978]

What a wonderful instructor.Lovely lady!!!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks, Peter! So glad you enjoyed it! You may enjoy my lesson blog at joyfulbrush

[@AngelaGreenart]

This is wonderful. I just started painting (Acrylics on canvas) a few months ago. I practiced till I pretty much have it and incorporated it into a painting for practice. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you!!!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+Moma Green So glad to hear my videos have helped you. I am posting mini-tutorials and short videos on my website joyfulbrush blog. You might find them informative too. Good luck with your painting!

[@TheBarry33]

This is precisely the kind of tutorial I was looking for. Many many thanks. It's excellent!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Excellent! So glad you found it helpful, Barry!

[@crystalblueocean]

Grateful to you for this demo, Virginia, thank you :)

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you! I am so glad you found it helpful! You may enjoy my paintings and blog posts at www.joyfulbrush.com

[@signeagle23]

Just found u today. Clear, simple instruction w/ great practical background on what to use when & why. Thank u! And beautiful!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Do check out the rest of my videos and see my paintings and painting blog at www.joyfulbrush.com

[@sprucehouse9]

Fantastic! This is a great explanation of the strokes and preparing the brush.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+Linda Navroth Thanks, Linda! Glad you found it helpful!

[@sdovas]

Thank you for this, its wonderful to see some solid practical instruction instead of the usual "watch this and be agog" fare. Keep up the good work

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks so much for your comment. My wonderful teacher I-Hsiung Ju taught me well and I love to pass on his wisdom. I remember how helpful it was to me, 30 years ago. Happy painting!

[@sarojkumaridrawingclasses4019]

Awesome 👌

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks!

[@cannabis1490]

Excellent!! Thank you very much!!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Do check out some of my other mini-lessons!

[@Richiedei50]

I just found your channel and I’m so pleased I did. Wonderful explanations. Thank you. 🥰

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! I'm so glad you find it helpful!

[@Padmaji1]

Excellent! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and talent. Your explanations are clear and the painting demonstration is inspiring. Much appreciated.

[@jeffm3283]

I bought some books that are great but your demonstration is really wonderful and we appreciate it. I can't wait to make something nice.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks, Jeff! It always helps to get feedback! I'm glad my demonstration was helpful. You may enjoy my painting blog posts at www.joyfulbrush.com

[@lindmer56]

thanks for this clear and beautiful presentation

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+Meriel Lindley Thanks, Meriel. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@PeterGonzalezAyres1932]

Well Virginia. You are a truly beautiful Bamboo painter. I do the same whenever I can. Thanks!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks, Peter! I love painting bamboo, possibly my favorite subject. Enjoy your brush!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I just watched the Golden Mean Caliper video that you put on a playlist on your channel. Fascinating stuff!

[@jwsc9578]

So effortless so elegant

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you! I've painted miles and miles of bamboo leaves to reach the "effortless" point!

[@charankhatu8032]

Very informative, spent a few hours practicing the techniques shown, using natural and synthetic bristles. Would love to watch a video of brushes used for Chinese painting and also where to procure the genuine stuff ! Thanks for your prompt reply, yesterday and the information contained therein ....... Hope my old/ work hardened hands, can one day be as gentle and fluid as yours !!!!

[@jiegao5050]

Fascinating! I am also teaching Chinese painting and calligraphy in Beijing ,your explanation is so clear and understandable!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

How exciting to be teaching in Beijing! I am posting mini-tutorials and short videos on my website joyfulbrush blog. You might find them informative too.

[@colinadmin4867]

Can you please advise on what paper you use and if its treated as l dont see much bleed as with rice paper, thank you

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Hello Colin, it is raw rice paper (xuan). I believe I was using double xuan, which means that it would not bleed as much as single xuan. When using black ink, though, there should not be much bleed, provided you are moving the brush fast and smoothly. Slow brushwork and hesitations lead to bleeding. You can find out more about the materials I use on my blog at joyfulbrush.com. Feel free to ask more questions on my blog posts.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you all for your feedback. I plan on putting out a bamboo how-to DVD at some point.

[@RiceballRox]

I love your technique here, it’s different than my teacher’s but it’s also very lovely!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! There are many different styles and techniques and we can always learn from them, even if we choose one favorite! Happy painting!

[@janten6554]

Teacher, I'd like to ask 2 questios: , which kind and size of brush are you using ? And how do you come up with gray ink? Do you mix white and black ink?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I'm always happy to answer questions. The best Chinese brush for bamboo is one with stiff bristles. You can paint bamboo with any size brush, depending on the size of your paper. Large brushes are most expressive - let your brush dance! Gray ink is simply black ink diluted with water. This way it is transparent. If you add white, it will become opaque. Thanks for asking! Happy painting!

[@janten6554]

@@VirginiaLloydDavies Thank you so much Teacher! I have a Medium size Orchid/bamboo brush I bought from Oriental Arts Supply but it's difficult for me to maneuver. I guess I need more practice. Also, I used to mix white with black ink. No wonder the effect was not good. I tried diluting ink in water but it's still black so I added white. Now I know it's not right. Thank you so much for sharing. My deepest gratitude, Teacher! I love your tutorial videos. You're a really excellent Teacher!!!❤️🙏🤗🙏

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

@@janten6554 The brush strokes take a while to master. I recommend my students to stand up and make sweeping gestures with your entire arm, first in the air and then with the brush tip touching the paper. Don't think about precision at this point, just get used to the swooping movement. A student roll of rice paper (OAS sells several) may be an easier surface for you to paint on. Keep painting!

[@dalferr]

Thank you very very very much, Virginia. Fantastic lesson.

[@JYOTISHA_GP]

This is wonderful. I just started painting (Acrylics on canvas) a few months ago.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I'm glad you find it helpful. Have fun with those acrylics!

[@linorb6074]

Hello. Thank you for your videos. They're quite helpful for beginners like me. Do you any recommendation for a good beginner brush to buy?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Tx, Ivan. I would go with a medium bamboo/orchid Chinese brush and a Happy Dot brush to start off with. Natural bristle is best. Soak your new brushes in cold water before using as they come with the bristles glued to protect the point of the brush.

[@rubenarturopj]

很美。 Beautiful, it makes me feel so relaxed and it gives me pleasure. I hope this doesn't sound weird. I'd like to try it. Súperb well done.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Give it a try! You may discover a new passion!

[@romance-breeze]

붓잡는것도 정확하시고 필력도 있으시고 멋지십니다 화이팅!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@TheSublima]

Merci pour ce cours très précis; qui invite à suivre vos mouvements...! Vraiment très belle création artistique Chinoise !

[@alwinpulido7628]

This is so amazing!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! You can see more tips and tutorials on my website blog at joyfulbrush.

[@galinamelnik6898]

Thank you very much.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I'm glad you found it helpful. If there are other video tutorials you would be interested in, please let me know.

[@susanfontaine3145]

Your teaching is so helpful! Do you have a full video on bamboo?

[@scarriao]

So nice! It is a plesure to learn from you!. Thanks a lot!

[@Uni356]

So beautiful

[@777777657]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. Is there something I should start with as a complete beginner for Chinese painting? I have a set of their brushes and some rice paper and practice paper that came with the brushes. I do paint in acrylics and oils if that helps. THANKS AGAIN...

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

My bamboo videos and those of my teacher I-Hsiung Ju are a good place to start. It's important to get the stroke right, and of course nothing beats practice. Do you have ink? A good strong black Chinese ink is essential. You don't have to grind your own - bottled is fine. My bamboo video talks about how to load the brush. Copy the strokes I am making.

[@funfnir3646]

Impressive work. Respect!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks for commenting. You can see more of my videos on my blog at my joyfulbrush website.

[@tomsilver4557]

Virginia, Helen here. I am using my husbands site since I have none of my own. I am not downtrodden. Instead I thank you again for the excellent tutorial. I watch and study it repeatedly. Your leaves are a work of art that any museum would be proud to boast. I am particularly interested in the various formations the leaves take. It appears by what you have said these formations have names. I would love to know them. Thank you again, Helen

[@tomsilver4557]

I should add that I go by the moniker Cecelia which dates to when my younger brother could not pronounce Helen.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Laughing! Glad you're not downtrodden! Also delighted that you enjoy my bamboo tutorial. I learned names for the bamboo formations from my master I-Hsiung Ju. He has a very good book and a full-length video on bamboo. If you Google his name you will find his website.

[@tomsilver4557]

Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge for it has enriched my life..

[@tomsilver4557]

Virginia, From what I gathered by reading the wikipedia entry for your master I-Hsiung Ju, he was an inspiration to his students and a fine teacher. There is one particular entry given for his remembrance. Would that it could be said of all of us who wish to be remembered so kindly for our efforts to live a good, honourable and dedicated life, “Like an unfailing light, his ready smile has brightened our day. Like a dancing spark, his ever-cheerful disposition has ignited our spirit. Like an ever-glowing ember, his soft voice has warmed our mood.” His memory lives on in you, his good student.

[@patmb2011]

luv the backstory... tired little sagging leaves... or reaching upward towards the sun... this was fun :)

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+patmb2011 I love the romantic way the Chinese describe techniques too! Happy painting!

[@martaayerbe4750]

very beautifull, very clear explanation, thank you

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks, Marta! I'm glad to hear it was helpful.

[@777777657]

WHAT KIND AND SIZE BRUSH ARE YOU USING? I AM TRYING TO LEARN CHINESE PAINTING. THANK YOU. YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY BUT I KNOW IT IS HARD TO LEARN.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Hi Marge, thanks for commenting. The brushes are traditional Chinese round brushes made from natural animal hair. I like hard or springy hair, described in catalogs as weasel or wolf hair, or bamboo/orchid brush. I use a medium bamboo/orchid brush for the leaves and a 'Happy Dot' brush for the stems. Good luck and happy painting!

[@dcoofficial884]

Marge Heimdal yap

[@shawnintheclouds]

SUPER. You give wonderful clear teaching. Thank you. I subscribe you.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+shawn intheclouds Super feedback! Thanks, Shawn! You may enjoy my new blog then. I put up mini-videos and tutorials. It's on my website, joyfulbrush. Check it out and feel free to ask questions.

[@DebbieBuckland]

You explain it all very well thank you

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I'm glad it was helpful, +Debbie Buckland. - Virginia

[@2346Butterfly]

I would be interested in the DVD, how will we know when you have done one?

[@franciscorivas281]

Hola,Virginia,muchas gracias por tu respuesta! Veo una y otra vez este video tan importante para mi,observo cada pincelada,la posicion de tus dedos con el pincel y tus movimientos tan suaves y perfectos,la maravillosa magia del arte del sumi e.transmite paz y armonia en un mundo tan violento,,nos seguiremos comunicando,gracias y hasta pronto Virginia.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Gracias, Francisco! Always remember to hold your brush vertical when painting bamboo leaves. The dance of life dances in the brush too!

[@Lotos61]

That's a really good video!

[@dilarabatan4700]

Thank you for the video. I do have one question, when making the arc with your arm to draw the leaf, is there any wrist movement involved? Or is your hand one unit with the brush and the only movement comes from the elbow or the shoulder?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Excellent question. We tend not to move the wrist for bamboo leaves. Keep the brush handle upright and move from the shoulder and elbow. Avoid flicking the brush with the wrist at all costs! Good luck and happy painting, Dilara!

[@gracielasurani]

Maravilloso tu manejo de pincel.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Gracias!

[@emmalin9909]

非常棒的老師，雖然我聼不懂英文，但是我可以體會。感謝老師。

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you, Emma Lin! Practice is the key!

[@TATTOOTRAINING]

Great explanation of composition thank you

[@秋江白鹭]

Great video sharing! Thank you!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! You may like my new book "Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting".

[@秋江白鹭]

Thank you! I'm Chinese, and I can also engraving, calligraphy and painting, thank you very much for recommending me your book! Thank you!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

@@秋江白鹭 I see you have many skills!

[@秋江白鹭]

谢谢！

[@秋江白鹭]

I follow you, welcome to follow each other! Make progress together! Thank you!

[@juliahernandez6970]

Thanks for your excelente class. God bless you

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

You're welcome, Julia! Thanks for watching!

[@ismaelmannheim]

Excelente video, muy bien explicado, felicitaciones! Eres muy buena pedagoga! gracias

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks for asking, Susan. It's in the works! If you subscribe to my youtube channel, I'll make sure you hear when it's ready.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you so much for your feedback. Much appreciated.

[@Fantasvale]

I loved it thanks for sharing!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

So glad to be of help!

[@MINGDKING]

It's really beautiful...Hope you were in Berlin-Germany so you could give the Class!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

John Tralala Not planning on being in Berlin, but I will be in London and Totnes, England in June and giving some workshops.

[@lynella22]

Thank you! Always wanted to learn how to paint bamboo :)

[@nganpham110390]

your videos are very useful for us to train, tks so much :)

[@777777657]

I have the ink and am practicing. But why is the ink so important when you can use black watercolor? How do I find the videos? Thanks again for answering me so quickly. Marge

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Chinese ink has a good consistency and opacity, so the brush moves smoothly on the paper. If you find that black watercolor works okay for you, then that's fine. If you go to my youtube channel, you will see several more tutorials.

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

Hello: as you see I am watching all your videos. Question: what brush did you use in this tutorial? Thanks

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Glad you are enjoying my videos! I appreciate your questions! For bamboo I use a 'hard' bristle brush - one made of weasel, for instance. Softer brushes (goat hair, for instance) are better for flowers. I have a blog post about brushes listed under 'materials' at joyfulbrush, which you may find helpful.

[@tomsilver4557]

Dear Virginia, It is as if I have found a new friend. For the past year my days have been spent reading and practicing sumi-e ink painting with emphasis on the first of The Four Gentlemen - bamboo. In China and Japan, the Buddhist discipline of quiet, reflective study of bamboo in its many seasons has developed to a high art form. However, for me, it has become a recent obsession of which I do not seek a cure. Frustration follow by quiet refection my in the end yield serenity but for the present, I await good instruction. The many instructive books which I have read though scholarly do not clearly teach as you have done. I am in your debt. Do you have a video series and/or an instruction book, perhaps with DVD that I might purchase? As a retired teacher and student of psychoanalysis, I value clear, concise, gentle instruction that you obviously offer. Cecelia

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Hello Cecelia! Lovely to hear from you! I'm delighted to hear you've 'got the bug'! It's a 40-year obsession for me and your message encourages me to share more instruction. I have many videos both on KZbin and on my website joyfulbrush. You may also enjoy my blog tutorials which you will also find on my website. I also offer Skype sessions for individual help. These can be tailored specifically to your needs. Most importantly: have fun!

[@tomsilver4557]

Thank you, again. That 40-year obsession is a dear a glorious one of that I am certain for the art you produce stands as witness to your devotion. May you be blessed with health and happiness. Cecelia

[@MusicOnTheWheel]

Hi Virginia, Love your painting. May I ask what kind of paper are you using?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Hi Georgiana, thanks for commenting. I'm using a raw shuen (rice paper). You can use single or double shuen, whichever works best for you.

[@sissadds]

virginia, georgiana... xD U.S.A? xD ... just kidding, I loved this video!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Sorry it's taken me a month to get back to you! If you subscribe to my KZbin channel, you will receive a notification when I get the next DVD ready. Thanks for asking!

[@franciscorivas281]

Desde Argentina,mi más sinceras felicitaciones Virginia! Tus pinceladas logran darle movimiento a las hojas,la práctica y el conocimiento de la técnica nos permite conocer las formas de expresar este arte milenario.gracias por compartir y permitir entender un poco más el sumi e.mi nombre es francis, ojalá,puedas leer mi mensaje,si me permites pronto te enviaré otro haciendo algunas preguntas sobre pinceles, muchas gracias!!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Ola Francisco! Thanks for your comments. I am delighted that you find my videos helpful. I can help you with brushes. You can also find blog posts on my website joyfulbrush about brushes and paper which you may find useful.

[@franciscorivas281]

Virginia Lloyd-Davies Buen dia,Virginia,aqui son las primeras horas de la mañana,gracias por tu respuesta y estoy escribiendo otro mensaje porque hace unos minutos te envie uno y me parece que salio mal,si recibes los dos te pido perdon,seguire comunicandome,adios!!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

OK, no problem!

[@carolinafernandezoro733]

Perfect!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks!

[@weimingguo3564]

画的不错，拿毛笔的姿势很正确！

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! Glad you approve!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Glad to know they help.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped. You may enjoy following me on facebook. I post new paintings and videos there every day. You can access my page even if you don't have a facebook account. Go to facebook, then write /VirginiaLloydDavies.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks for your comment!

[@axkela]

I was yesterday on a Chinese painting class

[@STEVE5O-m2r]

Thank You : )

[@JoseRodriguez-sc3kz]

Muy bueno, que materiales utilizastes..?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

***** Hello Jose, good to hear from you. I am using traditional Chinese ink, brushes and rice paper. Oriental Art Supply or Blue Heron Arts (both online and ship internationally) sell good quality materials. Good luck and happy painting!

[@fadi5503]

how to get a brush like this one?

[@tenaflytiger]

When you paint horn of the deer and go long,short, medium your medium looks loger. Illusion?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I expect you're quite right! I've been painting for a bit too long to slow down for the rules. After a while, as you loosen up, you just let the brush dance and do longs and shorts and mediums in a mix. When you start off, it's good to know not to make all the strokes the same length. Well spotted! Happy painting!

[@LuisTorres-ry8px]

were one would get some good quality sumi e brushes?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

You can find brushes on the internet or at major art stores. I like hard or springy hair, described in catalogs as weasel or wolf hair, or bamboo/orchid brush. I use a medium bamboo/orchid brush for the leaves and a 'Happy Dot' brush for the stems.

[@LuisTorres-ry8px]

Cool thanks for the comment! I saw the other day on your website a link our recommendation for oriental art supply brushes, I ordered all three sizes of there orchid bamboo brushes. Are these what you meant as in springy? I also ordered 1 orchid bamboo from asian brush painter as that one in the description mentioned springy wolf hair brush.

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Luis Torres Yes, 'springy' or 'hard' bristle brushes are the orchid/bamboo brushes. They spring back to a point, as opposed to the soft, goat hair brushes which hold a lot of water and ink, and are good for big petals, but not so good for pointy subjects like bamboo or orchid leaves. Happy painting! - Virginia

[@tinaabrol]

What's d number of d brush dear??? Pls help I wann try the same plssss

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

I order most of my brushes from oriental art supply or blue heron arts online. Their brushes are good quality and they explain the 'soft' and 'hard' brushes. They are all handmade & they don't have numbers on them. For bamboo and leaves I would recommend the bamboo/orchid brush, which is hard bristle. For flowers, a 'basic soft' or 'flow' brush works well. If you go to my facebook painting page, which is VirginiaLloydDavies, you'll see what I'm working on every week. I usually mention what brushes and papers I am using.

[@tinaabrol]

Thank u soo much mam for all d details, really appreciate ur help!!!! Have a great weekend!!!!

[@wendybaileypr]

wonderful x

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! I am posting mini-tutorials and short videos on my website joyfulbrush blog. You might find them informative too.

[@samiraalasraoui196]

Bonjour J aimee fort votre façon de peintre Je me demande si vous avez des video en francais et un grand Merciii à vous😘

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Merci bien pour votre commentaire. Hélas, je n'ai pas le temps de créer des videos en français. Mais vous pouvez toujours me demander des questions en français, si vous voulez.

[@babulsinha3486]

O......ho.what a help, thanks thank u very much

[@rabindrashakya7839]

Good One ...Thank you so much..

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

You're welcome! You can find more tips on my website blog joyfulbrush.

[@fab423]

Awesome

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks!

[@nikiniki2399]

vow too beautiful from India 😊

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+Nikita Singh Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! I am posting more videos and mini-lessons on my website blog. You might find them interesting: joyfulbrushdotcom

[@nikiniki2399]

Welcome😊😊sure👍👍

[@moisesjesus7198]

Maravilhoso!

[@phuonghong2902]

Cám ơn Cô ạ

[@老痴頑]

中国水墨画用毛笔画竹，这老外可以啊！得到过中国文人画真传

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thank you! I trained with Ju I-Hsiung from Jiangyin, China for many years.

[@fjc973]

Great , THANK YOU !

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

You're welcome! Check out my website too - joyfulbrush Virginia

[@ภรณีพรเกษมศาสตร์]

Thanks so much clean and clear28.7.22

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

So glad it is helpful! Be sure to check out my other videos and my blog at www.joyfulbrush.com

[@carolbiggs722]

thanks for this

[@jeanmilhollin5176]

Very good you make it look so easy, I know it is not great demo JEANIE

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Thanks! I am posting mini-tutorials and short videos on my website joyfulbrush blog. You might find them informative too.

[@williamchen33]

I can't get the leaves to taper off when I lift off the page, help?

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

+William Chen Hello! Happy to help! You are probably lifting your brush off the paper too abruptly. Think of raising the brush gradually, but keeping the handle perpendicular to the paper. Let me know if that solves it for you. Happy painting!

[@williamchen33]

Thanks Virginia! I'm trying to raise the brush gradually and perpendicular to the paper, but by the time I get to the end of the stroke the brush is frayed from the middle part of the stroke. I really appreciate your help! I'm making a painting for my grandma's birthday!

[@VirginiaLloydDavies]

Your grandma will love it whatever it looks like! If your brush is frayed: either not enough ink on the brush, or you're moving too fast, or you're flicking the brush at the end of the stroke. Watch my video again; you may be able to spot which of these actions you are doing. Good luck!

[@williamchen33]

Thanks Virginia! This helped a ton!