"The painting is indeed quite good, but don't become too self-satisfied; you still need to practice more."
Gu Tongxiang habitually critiqued, though as he continued, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl into a smile.
Good?
It's more than just good.
If the painter weren't his own grandson, Mr. Gu would have rushed over to start lavishing praise.
For adult artists wanting to learn techniques, knowing how to flatter is fundamental.
Whether through talent or coincidence, the techniques artists comprehend are exceedingly valuable.
Like using salt on watercolor paintings to create snowflake patterns, or adding sawdust to oil paint thinners for a textured skin effect—these methods, now common knowledge, would have been invaluable secrets of a painting school a century or two ago.
Italian painters, in particular, have historically secured roles as court painters to the Pope with such skills.
Especially with those pen techniques for New Style Painting,
