Paint like Zao Wou-Ki - Chinese French abstract painting

The video about the artwork on the wall behind me: • Follow your heart in a...
Some more background information on Zao Wou-Ki: • Zao Wou-Ki - 'Bringing...
The artist Zao Wou-Ki created beautiful abstract paintings that remind me of landscapes. In this paint like Zao Wou-Ki is create my own artwork that with an echo of his paintings. This Chinese French painter created a lot of French contemporary art. It sometimes reminds me of a bird eye view painting and the sometimes of an aerial view landscape painting. But must of all it has this dream like feel. Zao Wou Ki paintings also remind me of abstract Chinese calligraphy so I try to incorporate this as well.
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Sehnsucht by Sascha Ende
Link: filmmusic.io/song/2922-sehnsucht
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Materials
The art materials I use in the videos are not sponsored.
I prefer to work on multi-purpose paper, more info in this video: • How to choose the RIGH... In almost all my videos I use with Winsor&Newton Galeria acrylics, if not, I will say so in the video. Other materials I use are in random order: 5, 10 and 40mm brushes, palette knives, acrylics medium, Ecoline liquid watercolor, Lyra color pencils, Lyra soft pastels, oil pastels, Stabilo color pencils, paper palette pad and basic masking tape. I also use household items like a permanent marker, scrub sponge, scissors, paper towel, and so on.
#PaintLike #zaowouki #zaoki

[@JJ-dj6qw]

What I have to say is that finding this channel and getting to know Albert is the most enjoyable thing this year so far. I am a textile print design student in the UK, I must say that what I learned from this channel is something I have never learned in my university. As a student who often needs to draw creative inspiration, what Albert shared is what I really need. Especially the thinking and development process of art and life. I mean he is not teaching something, he is sharing art and a process of thinking. That is the most important thing. Thank you Albert. Love your all videos!

[@JJ-dj6qw]

In my homeland China, we have an old proverb: 授人以鱼不如授人以渔(It is better to teach people how to fish than to give people a fish. )I personally think this is Albert's way of sharing art. He gives everyone a freedom to create art instead of restrictive paintings. Thank you again.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Finding Jaja, thanks. I'm a bit humbled by your kind words. The funny part of it is that you help me get clear on what I do, what I provide and how it can help someone like you. I do know what I do but it's for a big part intuitively and I had difficulties articulating it. Now I can. So many thanks. Albert

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Finding Jaja, thanks. That's the analogy I tend to keep in mind for my videos. Happy painting, or happy print design making. Albert

[@tommyapocalypse6096]

What more can be said than this?: Yours are some of the most inspirational "how-to" instructional videos. As an abstract artist myself, I am profoundly grateful for your commitment to sharing your journey and discoveries with us.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Tom, thank you for your kind words. Great to hear you like my journey, discoveries and (my words) crazy and funny experiments. Care to join my invitation to paint? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKC5ZqVqgKxjfa8 No obligations, just an open invitation. Bye, Albert

[@gordonjackson2655]

Hi Albert. Watching this video I became aware of several things. 1. I very much admire the fact you are not scared to experiment. You have the ability to override your training and follow your instincts. 2. You are not afraid to paint over what you have just painted. I can't bring myself to do that, I end up throwing away my failures and feeling disappointed in my lack of ability. 3. I discovered that I was looking at some of your experiments here and thinking, "That last, "ink" one should have a feature in its centre, not a white space.". Then I thought, "Why can't you have an empty space where a focal point would be? Why am I so prejudiced?” This from the man who is known for saying, "There are no rules, well, yes there are, but learn them, then break them". It seems I still have a long way to go yet. I'm 72 years old and still trying to improve my thinking and my skills. I learned a lot about myself today. Thank you. Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Gorden, thanks for sharing your internal dialogue. So interesting and educational. This is also the reason why I like to paint, to question my questions. I always say at the beginning of the video 'looking at art, yourself and the world around you. ' As you noticed there are so many options to go. And please stop throwing away your 'failed' paintings. Use them as a base for another one, or just put them aside and look at them later again. Or even better, put them in your livingroom to watch for a week. At the end of the week you will have seen so many ideas or options to continue it will amaze you. Maybe interesting to write them all down, it will free up thinking space in your head. And the internal dialogue will be fun all week! 😁😁 But seriously, write them down, to me it's like ideas pass by and when I don't write them down, they dissapeare. Happy painting Albert

[@Pilvipouta100]

Yes I learned a lot today! I think its abstract ekspressionism art

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Leenah, thanks. Good to hear. Albert

[@gordonjackson2655]

@@ImperfectPaintings Hi Albert, Thank you for the encouragement, I will do as you suggest and stop destroying my failed efforts. I shall prop them up in the room and watch them for a week. Really it's myself I shall be watching. Any thoughts about them that come to me, I shall write down. I'm a writer too. I had a newspaper coloumn and have had other stuff published. I keep a notpad and pen by the bed. You'd be surprised how many ideas come in the middle of the night, to be forgotten next moring, unless written down.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Gordon, great. And indeed so many ideas are lost, but I trust someone else on their way will harbor them with love. Be kind to yourself but also stay alert 😉 Albert

[@lesliejoyart4664]

Thank you. You are always introducing me to new artists. I also love the way you are fearless in trying new techniques. I really like the idea of looking at one's surroundings for inspiration. Inspiration is all around us if we stay open and present. Bravo.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Leslie, thanks. To be honest, I pass on what is given to me. Some time ago a subscriber suggested looking at his art. Wonderful, I love being part of a flow like that. And indeed stay open and be present. Happy painting, Albert

[@dianehocker4365]

Deeply appreciate that Albert gives us multiple examples we can try ourselves. Thanks so much!! I've done with and now will try the black an white with the triple brush.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks, Diane. Good to hear, enjoy. Albert

[@ameliagerrythomas8720]

Thank you Albert , I too love abstract paintings and in my opinion the paintings in this style you have done are very strong and I would hang all of them in my home any time.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Amelia, thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed doing all these experiments. Happy painting, Albert

[@Sinanimre]

New here (as you can tell), and once again, your freedom, the way you seem to have deconstructed yourself from the quest of « beauty » or « success » is really impressing. A true master !

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Sinan, learning is about making mistakes, so dare to do the unexpected or weird odd things. It's also fun. And you're very welcome here 😉 Albert

[@ArtIsNotAlwaysEasy]

Great video again! Every time I watch one of your videos I have more and more to paint. I love it.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi James, thanks! Wonderful to hear. Maybe you'll get just as addicted as I am. Have a playful week. Albert

[@bonniegarson80]

Very creative and unique. Thanks for sharing

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Bonnie, thanks. Are you a painter as well? I would love to hear in case you like to tell. Albert

[@robertwebber8672]

I just wanted to say thank you! As you say you have loads of ideas. But more importantly you reminded me to have fun. I think i had forgotten about that. And when you do have fun often something amazing happens. Best R

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Robert, thank you sharing your story, I love to hear this. Enjoy painting with fun again, Albert

[@maryamvossoughi9341]

Your experiments are wonderful 👌🏻thank you😊

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Maryam, thanks. One after the other just popped up, it was fun to do. Have a nice week, Albert

[@TJ-zs7gn]

Thank you for your introduction to an artist I had not heard of. Your videos are broadening my mind and creativity. Like someone else said I love that you share your thought process in your videos and the your work in progress and that its all a learning curve for us all. This is something that I would never pick to do , but I will give it a try. I challenge you to try something you have always thought may be hard or that you think you could not do well. And yes I would hang it on my wall in a thick black set frame

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi T J, thanks. I'm bit humbled by your words and appreciate them very much. To me painting is in a way a personal discovery process. To question my prejudice and mental blocks. Every time I open myself up I free myself, I'm doing this for some time now. It'salso fun to do. Happy painting so to say, Albert

[@MaryPreciousJonesHuntsville]

I have watched a few of your videos on TV but I wasnt able to comment. I love all of the videos I have seen so far. You taught me a lot on how to make the black and white canvas on your other videos.. i will be doing some soon.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks, Mary. Enjoy making your own artwork with what you learned. It will be fun, I guess. Albert

[@dianehocker4365]

I love Imperfect paintings concept of healingus discover and create our own style through experimenting with following a great master. I find that I cannot imitate exactly but unconsciously absorbing some ideas that inspire me, and magically come out in my own attempts later! Thanks very much for your work!!

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks, Diane. All the paintings that I make are examples. Nothing more, nothing less. Ways to proceed, tools to use, stories to follow, and so on. It's to spark imagination, creativity, and to encourage to just do go. Albert

[@olivecoleman3814]

Albert, love all your work, I think the most important thing is to have fun and experiment all the time. Abstract art is a journey. I love the surprises when you get when painting in different ways and with different things. I love my geli plate and when I lift up the pieces of paper I shout wow. It's different every time. Then I use these pieces of paper to create a larger works.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Olive. I love to play like this. It's mostly process based, following up to ideas, hunches and so on. I really have to buy myself a gel plate, I hear so much about it. Have a great day, Albert

[@devintylerross]

This is my new favorite channel! I love to end my day with your inspiring videos. You have definitely encouraged me to try new things in my paintings. Many thanks.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Devin, thanks, good to hear. What type of painting do you do, if you don't mind telling? Albert

[@devintylerross]

@@ImperfectPaintings I've just started experimenting with airbrushed color gradients and also some circles and shapes using watercolor pencil and wash. Still trying to find my style but playing is helping me get there.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Devin, thanks for coming back. Sounds interesting. Sounds like the perfect way to go: playfully. Style will come over time but is less important I guess. Happy painting, Albert

[@dees9502]

Another WONDERFUL video. Sooooo glad I found your channel, my friend. God Bless 🙏

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Dee, thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful day, Albert

[@cafeplanck]

I love your teaching style. you give a lot of information while painting. I learnt painting only from you, not anybody else. I wish you could post a new video every single day. I can not wait to see your next video. Thanks for being so generous.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi C, thanks. Now I have to continue making videos 😁 but thanks, this is always great to hear. A tip for you, this may sound funny, but go back to a video of a while ago and see if you see new things. I know for myself I can only take in a certain amount of new information. Looking again, and painting again, will lead you to new things. Because today you know more than yesterday, you learned new things, got better. Or change the colors you used. There are so many options, you can choose from. Let me know if this is helpful. Happy painting, Albert

[@sdouba]

Greetings Albert. This was a wonderful lesson in techniques and creative approaches to creating art. It astounding how you invoke imagination, deconstruction and teaching skills to deliver concepts that help in demystifying works of art. I am an admirer of Zao Wou-Ki. I saw in person his work at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris in April of 2018. His work is both massive and overwhelmingly sizable. Your lesson provoked in me renewed passion for his art. Thank you so much. I personally liked A version. Inspires mystery and evocative interplay of the visible and hardly visible. Also the portrait orientation re-enforces the mystical feel due to connotation (implied) and resonance for things tall such as trees, jail bars, buildings towering and imposing at the same time. Thanks again Albert.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Salim, thanks. Zoa Wou-Ki is a wonderful artist. I would love to see one of his artworks. His art has also this mystical Asian (to me) touch that I love. I feel it has more meaning than just what you can see. Interesting. I visited Paris too in 2018, but skipped the Museum of modern art unfortunately. We just have to go back some day. It's not that far for us. It all was an interesting process for this video, I rolled from one thing into another. I like it when things like that happen. Effortlessly painting away. Stay safe, Albert

[@qgbu961]

I always remember when I was a little girl, I visited an exhibition of Zhao, I don't know anything about the painting I ever don't know there is a style called abstract but I can feel the emotion from them. He is always my favorite and many thanks for this video.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi QG, thanks for sharing your story. Just enjoying a painting by feeling what it does to you is a great way to approach art. Have s lovely day, Albert

[@konstantinospapaioannou2588]

Thank you soooooooooooo much for this great video!!!!!!!!!

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Konstantinos, thanks. i didn't know you were still watching, otherwise I would have mentioned you for suggesting to do a video on Zao Wou-Ki. Marvelous artist. Looking at your comment I guess you liked it. 😁 Albert

[@konstantinospapaioannou2588]

@@ImperfectPaintings Hi, Albert! Of course, I am still watching and enjoying your paintings and your videos. Thank you so much for your efforts and creativity. It's really inspiring. Yes, I did like this video about Zao Wou Ki, and the various approaches you gave. I am looking forward to your next videos and works of art! Have a great day!

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Konstantinos, thanks, nice to know. See you on Sunday again. Albert

[@susanneengel-schuster]

Well done!!!👌

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Susanne, it's a very interesting artist. Albert

[@trinesandns4947]

I would definitly hang the large black and white on my wall!

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Trine, try for yourself, you can hang up your own artwork, and it's fun to do too! Albert

[@marionlyon7349]

HI, I love your series about imperfect paintings. I learned much about how to create art. Ever since I watched your white on white "paintings" I be gen to think that the are no longer paintings but are sculptures. Bas-relief sculpture has always interested me. I was a potter and created a number. of sculptures as bas'-relief. Many times I adder sculptural effects to the surfaces of my pottery as well. Just a few of my ideas to the conversarion☺

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Marion, I totally agree with you. It's a thin line, or a grey area, between mixed media paintings, bas reliëf and sculpture. Personally I think It's all great to make along as you enjoy what you make and forget the specific box or the label to put it or under. Have a great day, Albert

[@madewirayasa6821]

Karya yang super👍❤

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Terima kasih / Thanks Made

[@barbaracharlton9049]

Thanks

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks very much, Barbara, for your support. It means a lot to me. Albert

[@bathurstststudios]

I would hang your abstract on my wall - it's full of movement and countermovement. There is a woosh from left to right but then there are things standing their ground or moving in the opposite direction. It's enjoyable, imagining what could be going on. Hung upside down there seems to be three movements involved - left to right, right to left or resisting, and then a white cloud blasting everything back towards the right - complete turmoil! Thank you.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks, Jill, I'm honored. But the fun is in the making. Just make your own versions. Reading your comment, you know how a painting can look different or interesting.. I tried to make a copy of one of my paintings and failed misserably, I tried to control it. So my advice: Forget what you know and just start playing and trust your instincts. Enjoy. Albert

[@spassmerdjanoff]

You are fabulous…

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Spass, enjoy playing too. Albert

[@culturefan]

Interesting I was unfamiliar with Wou-Ki. I had the idea of creating something similar using tree branches. Parts of the tree branch might come off, but that might be interesting texture. I still might try it however. A new artist I discovered this week is Eva Hesse. She is more known for her sculpture, but she painted some as well. Safe journey.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Culture Fan, thanks. Eva Hesse made interesting portraits, I'll put her on my list. I would love to see your tree branch piece when finished. Stay safe, Albert

[@Pilvipouta100]

I like A. :)

[@Pilvipouta100]

And now its 3.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Leena, thanks. I like them all. I often turn my artwork around and sometimes upside down looks more interesting. Happy painting, Albert

[@Pilvipouta100]

because its like a mountain road

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Leena, thanks. I see what you mean. I never thought of that, it looked more like Christmas tree covered in snow. It makes me curious what others will come up with. Albert

[@dianehocker4365]

Love the last black and whites using a triple brush~ serene, lively, organic, like nature ` I'm also trying with a very ale yellow instead of white and then dark blue such as ultramarine or one new one handmade~charcoal blue.. Thanks so much~~ KYou , Albert, do beautiful work yourself in the manner of Zao. Are there any demos in a regular speed? I'd like to see more of the brushwork in real time.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks, Diane. The videos are as they are. In case you want to see slower brushwork, you can choose to play the video at normal or slower speeds (75, 50, and 25%). Hope this helps, Albert

[@psegarra_galeria]

Hi very nice. Would you do a video of Gerghard Richter?

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Pedro, thanks. I appreciate your suggestion very much. I'll put Gerhard Richter on a higher position on my list. Albert

[@francavan1295]

Thank you Albert! I love the freedom of experimenting a new technique while following my instincts. I really liked the first painting, the one with “too many colors” 👍 Also, I like A, There, I see a Ninjia in the forest and C, where I see a seascape.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Franca, thanks. Experimenta are always interesting, especially because you don't know what it will bring. Surprises and treasures. A is a good choice. When you look for faces you can find many, I always see faces everywhere. Just as in the clouds in the sky. Endless fun. Albert

[@marcclarke7540]

Are you allowing paint to dry before adding new swathes of colour?

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Good question, Marc, it depends. Normally, I tell in the video what I do. I also share what materials I use, mainly acrylics. I hope this helps. Albert

[@kaesnow2380]

I love C.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi KAE, thanks. Can you also give your reason why C stands out for you? Albert

[@ihopetowin]

B appeals to me the most. I can't say exactly why, but I think it has to do with the balancing act taking place. It is best on the vertical I think. A, B.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi ihopetowin, thanks. Interesting to look at is what elements help to balance. Sometimes it's a darker part, sometimes it is the white or space. Try switching in you head, maybe you'll suddenly see a different balance and preference. I often notice I run on habits, by testing myself to look in a different way I discover new things. Albert

[@ellenvd5543]

Hart bedankt weer voor de mooie video Albert! Hoe kom je op het idee om met alluminium-folie te schilderen! Ik ga het uitproberen, ook die penselen bij elkaar.....zou ik nooit op gekomen zijn! Bedankt voor de inspiratie en fijne week gewenst!

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hallo Ellen, bedankt. Ik had nog wat stukjes liggen van de Donald Judd video en kwam zo op het idee. Soms helpt het als je niet alles direct opruimt. 😁 Veel plezier ermee, ik ben benieuwd hoe het je bevalt. Fijne week Albert

[@philnasmith9755]

In my opinion, this comment by David Salle (How To See) sums up your channel beautifully: "The act of paying close attention to what someone made, in all of its particulars, is what stimulates an authentic, as opposed to a conditioned, response."

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Philna, thanks. You're completely right. Lovely quote by the way. I think I will put it on my wall. Thanks for sharing, it means a lot to me. ❤ Albert

[@joekickass1973]

I am wondering if you have done a video on Synchromism? I am also curious about your work , do you have a style of your own?

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Joe, thanks for asking. No, not yet. It is on my list of subjects to look into. I know it is related to orphism and in a few weeks a video will publish a video on Sonia and Robert Delaunay. I don't know if you saw my invitation to paint: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKC5ZqVqgKxjfa8 perhaps you like to join or investigate their style of painting for yourself. The answer to your second is more difficult to answer. I just paint for my videos on KZbin and don't make other artwork, I also don't aspire to be an artist. I just like to paint and almost every week look into another artist or art movement. Just a fun challenge for myself to keep myself creative. Hope this answers your questions. Have a nice day or evening, Albert

[@joekickass1973]

@@ImperfectPaintings I look forward to the the Orphism video. I didn’t realize the two were as close to each other as they are. Thank you.

[@doncook2054]

Thank You for posting this video; i keep coming back to it, i will never be him-and a voice keeps telling me not to try, to be me. What is the red You used in the first painting?

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Don, I can relate to it. Sometimes an artist is so unique, or appears to be so, I just deviate. I don't know about the red, but I only use cadmium red or crimson. I guess it was crimson. Enjoy painting, Albert

[@jornstenekes1493]

Eerst B,A en C. De compositie is gewoon het sterkst. Ook iets van diepte. Het mysterieuze zwarte gat? A lijkt ook iemand die naar beneden kijkt en nadenkt.

[@jornstenekes1493]

B,A,D en daarna C. D heeft ook een mooie driehoeks compositie.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hallo Jorn, bedankt. Het lijkt alleen of je niet kunt kiezen 😁 misschien zijn ze allemaal goed, het is vaak net waar je aan denkt of op focust. Als je met een ander idee er naar zou kijken maak je misschien een andere keuze. Schilder je zelf ook? In ieder geval bedankt voor je reactie. Albert

[@estee-mariearts4548]

I like D and yes I would hang it on my wall. I see an unspoiled landscape with a person kneeling at the waters edge. The sun is beginning to set.

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Grammy, thanks. It's always interesting to see which side is liked the best. Do try it yourself, it's interesting to do and see what comes out. Albert

[@yopestevens1505]

It's very interesting that you are sharing ways of making art, and emulating others' styles, but yet i read in your reply to someone's comment that you don't make your own art and do not call yourself an artist. I don't get - why not?!

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Yope, thanks for asking. I guess it depends on how to define 'artist', in my opinion an artist sells the art he/she makes for a living or on a part-time basis. I don't sell any art because what I make is not art (again my opinion) but more showing options or other ways of making art, showing the process or how I approach artmaking. I see myself more in a role of a teacher or enthusiast having too many ideas. I'm hoping to inspire people to go ahead and try new things too. You don't have to agree with me, but thus is how I look at it. Albert

[@doncook2054]

A

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Thanks Don, excellent choice

[@lokingloking]

nice but still far from zao....

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hello Loking, thanks and it's just as I mention in the video. Thanks anyway, Albert

[@KeepHimAtBay]

you are joking, right? abomination

[@ImperfectPaintings]

Hi Keep, thanks for sharing your opinion. Albert