荷塘清趣 The Serene Charm of The Lotus Pond

荷塘清趣

Artist: Li, Weisong 李巍松

Media: Chinese Painting on Rice Paper

Size: 20 x 26 in. (50 x 66 cm)

此作品是画家近年来莲花题材的一个代表风格，画面中莲花造型是明代画家所创，花瓣繁复且卷曲，形如佛手，画家把这种形态的花头称为“佛手莲花”，画面中数朵莲花各呈姿态，两只鹡鸰灵动顾盼，花头不施颜色，只用洋红勾丝，但花朵亦娇艳欲滴，这需要有极强的耐心和深厚的线条功力，此种表现手法为画家首创，前无古人，独步当代，观后令人惊叹画家神乎其技之余，更会心生欢喜，虽然设色浓重瑰丽，却依然使人感受到安静清逸的气息，作品工写兼备，神完气足，工而不板，细而不腻，艳而不俗，这是工笔重彩极不容易达到的效果和意境。

题跋释文: 绿云飘渺动仙裳，红艳轻匀斗晓妆。闲向花房摘莲子，满衣金粉露花香。清人恽南田红荷一首，癸卯冬月，巍松

This artwork represents the artist's distinctive style in recent years, particularly focusing on the lotus flower theme. The lotus flower in the painting adopts a form created by Ming Dynasty artists, characterized by intricate and curled petals resembling Buddha's hands. The artist refers to this type of flower as "Buddha's Hand Lotus." Multiple lotus flowers in various postures are depicted in the composition, accompanied by two playful kingfishers. The flower heads are delineated using only magenta outline strokes, yet they appear vibrant and dripping with delicacy. This technique demands exceptional patience and profound mastery of line work. The artist's innovation in this expressive approach is unparalleled, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

Despite the rich and vibrant color, the painting conveys a sense of quiet elegance, allowing viewers to experience a serene atmosphere. The meticulous detailing, combined with a full expression of spirit, avoids stiffness and excessive intricacy. The artwork strikes a balance between brilliance and subtlety, achieving an effect and atmosphere that is rarely attained in meticulous and colorful brushwork.