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?
Western paintings are constructed of varied colors. The whole painting is filled with colors. Instead, Chinese pairings use less colors to describe the atmosphere.
Chinese landscape paintings focus on the conception and philosophy, reflecting the author's emotions. Western paintings, on the other hand, have an integration of art and reality.
Chinese painting emphasizes depicting artistic conception through brushwork and ink, while Western painting focuses on rendering light and shadow with colors.
Layout characteristics of Chinese landscape painting:
Chinese landscape paintings emphasize the harmonious coexistence with nature, and the layout often pursues a realm of the unity of heaven.
Layout characteristics of Western Baroque paintings:
Western paintings pay great attention to the contrast and use of light and shadow, creating a dramatic effect through the alternation of light and dark and the projection of light and shadow.
Chinese painting emphasizes freehand brushwork and the rendering of artistic conception, while Western painting emphasizes realism and the depiction of details.
Chinese painting is influenced by Taoism and Confucianism, it emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature.While western painting is mostly influenced by Christian culture, emphasizes scientific techniques and realism
In Chinese landscape paintings, people and scenery are integrated and there is often appropriate blank space left; while in Western landscape paintings, people and scenery are clearly separated and the entire canvas is filled.