Analysis Of "Self-concept Highlights" By Shi Tao’s Painting Quotations

Shi Tao’s Painting quotations is a revolutionary theory of landscape painting.These theories include “painting should be self centered”,“draw without anyrestraints is the best way to paint”,“what I am about，I own” and so on. All thsetheories have a emphasis on “self”’s dominance in the painting process of the nature.The Eitherteen Chapters discussed the importance of “self concept” in exploringnature and fine arts; these chapters are the driving force behind Shi Tao’s free paintingstyle. In Shi Tao’s painting career, he always remembered to follow his heart andfeelings. He also perfectly balanced self and nature’s presence in his painting byhaving emphasis on “self” and nature’s harmony and unity. The “Self” concept shouldnot be limited by the nature; also, it should not present the nature imporoperly. Thisprocess is a spiritual practice for oneself. The “self” is originated from the nature. ShiTao is letting the “self” merge with the nature again. This allows the “self” tounderstand the change of nature, law of nature, and feeling of nature. As a result, the“self” is the nature and the nature is the “self” in the actual painting. Although the“self” is very insignificant compare to the actual great nature, but it can include thewhole nature in its painting. The forest, mountains, ocean waves in different seasonsare draw out with ink and brush pen.He knew the principle of painting and that of thenature. Acknowledging the change and respecting the rule, possessing great technique,he is qualified to be a master in the landscape painting.