With enthusiasm and energy, he guides the artist through all the traditional techniques, illustrating how to create atmosphere and light in landscapes, focusing on trees, water, mountains, sky and clouds. He shows how to capture liveliness and movement in animals, birds, fish and insects, and he transforms flowers and plants into beautiful works of art skilfully showing how to master composition, inks, paints and traditional brushstrokes. Detail is as important as a spontaneous style; leaves, stems bamboo, feathers, scales and blossom are clearly depicted and Yan also explores texture, blending colours to define shapes and outlines. This invaluable guide captures the essence of Chinese painting, bringing together the fun of learning, the joy of creativity and the delight of discovery.