Chinese Brush Painting: A Beginner's Guide.

Pauline Cherrett. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. (800-367-9692), 2001. Illus., hardcover, 128 pp., $14.95.

Capturing nature as "A Moment in Time" rather than as a detailed, broad overview, is but one of many concepts advanced in this engaging publication. The historical origins of Chinese brushstrokes and composition are presented, and the necessary equipment and materials are noted. The photos of brush variations provide a rewarding visual experience in their own right as a preface to the introduction of such basic beginnings as paper and ink preparation. Brush loading and control lead into learning the basic brushstrokes. Nature's subjects: animals, birds, insects, fruit, flowers, leaves, fish, reptiles, landscape, and figures are all explored in depth with step-by-step suggestions ranging from pressure of brush on paper to speed of stroke.

In striving to capture the essence of a natural form, the reader learns the importance of interplay between light and dark, large and small, thick and thin, wet and dry, dense and spare, and other contrasting principles. The book concludes with instructions on forming the eight basic calligraphy strokes as the traditional completion of a Chinese brush painting. More than 100 vivid color illustrations combined with informative text gives this book value for anyone interested in expanding their understandings of an expressive alternative to traditional painting, and as an aid to understanding the art of another culture.