Unlocking Zhang Daqian or Chang Daichien Pouring Ink Landscape - in Chinese with English Captions

Purpose of Gelatin Glue and Alum

Many students have asked about the role of gelatin glue and alum powder in this painting technique. Below, we provide a brief overview to help you understand:

Gelatin Glue: Gelatin glue is mixed into the ink at a 1:3 ratio to control the ink flow on the paper. It prevents the ink from spreading too quickly, allowing for better control over the composition, especially if you want to preserve ink volume for marbling effects. You can also use peach sap glue as an optional substitute.

Alum Powder: Alum is mixed with water at a 10% ratio and then added to the paint to achieve a consistency like whole milk to help separate the pigment from the glue, creating beautiful textures. It generates a "de-gumming" effect that enhances the layering of mineral colors, resulting in complex, textured surfaces.

Application Tips

The gelatin glue and alum should be mixed directly into the black ink or mineral colors, not applied separately.

The ink mixture is applied prior to the opaque color to serve as underpainting.

The mixture of color is then poured or brushed onto the paper according to the artist's plan for composition.

Spray clean water to soften the edges of the color puddle and lead the direction of flow by leaning the canvas.

The key is to control where the ink, colors, and white (unpainted areas) land on the paper to achieve the intended composition.

Materials List
For this class, you will need the following materials:

Paper: Sized Xuan paper, preferably pre-mounted on board (as seen in Zhang Daqian's documentary). We will also experiment with various types of paper to observe their effects.

Ink: Black ink, with gelatin glue added at 1:3.

Colors: Mineral blue, green, and white.

Glue: Gelatin glue (ideal), https://www.blueheronarts.com/Mingjia... (See product description page for mixing instructions).
or peach sap glue (optional) https://www.blueheronarts.com/Peach-S...

Alum Powder: For texture creation. https://www.blueheronarts.com/Alum-Po...

Plexiglas or Painted Wood Panel: Used as a flat surface for the paper to control fluid flow.

Water Sprayer: To help control the wetness level of the paper.

Ceramic Saucers: For mixing ink and colors.

Key Considerations for Success

The essence of a successful pouring ink landscape lies in composition control—deciding where the white of the unpainted paper, the black ink, and the mineral colors should be placed to create a balanced and harmonious image. Today, I will be experimenting with some compositions to select sample paintings that we will use as guides in class.

Activities Before Class

Watch the Videos about Zhang Daqian and his paintings listed below. If you have time, please prepare your materials and do some initial experiments with pouring ink and color on paper. Familiarizing yourself with how the ink and colors flow will help you feel more comfortable during the class session. If you encounter any questions, bring them to the class and let us find the answers together.

Chang Daichien(Zhang Daqian)'s poring ink painting video:
   • Zhang Daqian (Chang Daichien ) Pouring Ink...  

(For more Information: Join Henry's Class Live on Zoom with Unlimited Access to the Class Recording https://www.blueheronarts.com/Chinese... )