1)Describe: from the layout of the paintings, what are the obvious differences between Chinese and Western paintings?
2)Argue: Some western scholars argue, based on the apparent formal differences between Chinese and Western landscape paintings, first that the Chinese have the idea of“heaven and man merging into one”( tian ren heyi 天人合一), man is not separated from nature and Chinese landscape thus represents pure nature with no human figures in the center"; second, "Western landscape tends to be more realistic than its Chinese counterpart". How do you agree with these two points? Do they seem reasonable to you? What do they see? What do they overlook?
Chinese painting emphasizes brushwork, ink washes, and spiritual resonance through symbolic expression, while Western painting focuses on perspective, chiaroscuro, and realistic representation through anatomical accuracy and three-dimensional form."
From the layout,Chinese painting take the measure of leaving us a blanket space.Chinese painting emphasizes the expression of intention, while Western painting focuses on realism
In terms of layout, Chinese paintings emphasize blank spaces and are good at depicting the relationship between near and far. Meanwhile, the paintings from the Baroque period in the West are realistic and excel at depicting details and geometric patterns.
Chinese painting emphasizes conveying the conceptual essence, expressing the inner spirit of landscapes; Western painting focuses on realistic representation, recreating the scenery before the eyes.
Traditional Chinese landscape painting focuses on "conveying the spirit through form" to express the painter's inner world, while Western landscape painting centers on "imitating nature" to accurately reproduce the real scenery.
Chinese painting layout emphasizes dynamic, shifting perspectives, the active use of empty space, the integration of small human figures within a dominant nature, spiritual balance. In contrast, traditional Western painting often employs a fixed perspective, seeks rational, structural balance.
Chinese traditional painting emphasizes spiritual expression and artistic conception with ink and wash, while Western landscape painting focuses on realistic depiction with perspective and vivid colors.
Chinese landscape paintings are influenced by Confucianism and focus more on the overall artistic conception. While Western landscape paintings are influenced by humanism, and there are often people in the scenery. Wanna know, Chinese landscape paintings, 'cause of Confucianism, they're all about that overall vibe. But Western ones, thanks to humanism, usually have people in the pictures.
Western scholars note Chinese landscapes often lack central human figures, suggesting harmony with nature, while Western art favors realism. This view rightly identifies compositional differences but overlooks subtle human presence in Chinese works and the conceptual depth beyond Western realism. Both traditions embody unique cultural philosophies.
Chinese painting emphasizes conveying the conceptual essence, expressing the inner spirit of landscapes; Western painting focuses on realistic representation, recreating the scenery before the eyes.