A Comparison between Chinese and Western Theories and Methods on Painting

There is much difference between Chinese and Western theories and methods on painting,because they come from different philosophy and aesthetics systems.The Chinese traditional philosophy that“humanity is harmonious with nature” fosters the fashion that elegancy is favored in Chinese painting,that the subjective spirit and ideal of the artist are emphasized,that Chinese traditional poetry and calligraphy are regarded as the essential parts of the art creation,and that the harmony between emptiness and tangibility on the canvass,and the vividness of the art,are pursued.It is decided by western traditional philosophy that “humanity conflicts with nature” that western painting upholds magnificence.The appearance of object is emphasized.Focus perspective is adopted for a stereophonic description in an effort to truly represent the objective world.The comparison of the two painting styles aims to help the artists and appreciators to appreciate painting arts of different races with the respective art conceptions and in respective approaches.It also helps us to start from the traditions to create our new art with reference to any positive foreign arts.