Chris Newson

I retired in 2008 from a highly successful 30-year career in education and worked as a self-employed Consultant Head-teacher until I was drawn into the joy of Chinese style painting which has become a driving force in my life. My husband and I travel the world, and in particular Asia, where I can collect special brushes, papers and inks.

I was originally “art trained” in the 1970s but recently learned the art of Chinese brush-painting with the Yorkshire Group. Look at my paintings in the members’ gallery on www.cbpsyorks.co.uk. I am also a member of the National Society. I have enhanced my computer skills using Picasa, Power-point, digital camera and scanners to prepare for exhibitions and make and sell art cards and make on-line books.
My subject matter ranges from bamboo, trees, flowers, birds and misty mountains to “fine ladies”. I use traditional Chinese brushes of hair from weasel, badger and goat and even chicken feathers and I grind my own ink. I use a range of papers from grass and rice, to silk and mulberry fibre. I lead workshops and demonstrations with adult groups from U3A and Soroptimists as well as private classes. I can adapt work to individual passengers’ needs.

I have exhibited in solo and group exhibitions and sold work in art fairs and local shops within Yorkshire. Recently, working with a local poet, I have produced a book and gift-cards for a cancer charity.
Course participants will learn the basics of Chinese brush-painting within the time available. A plan of the work to be covered during the cruise will be available at the first class. In each session there will be individual and group teaching supported by original and printed samples to guide progress. We will learn some calligraphy strokes, grind our own ink from pine-soot and gum sticks and learn to work with different brushes and papers using ink and Chinese watercolours. Each participant will leave the cruise with a portfolio of mounted paintings and smaller works on cards and bookmarks. Everyone will learn to turn what they thought was a “painting mess, into painting success!”