Good Fortune from Generation to Generation

The gourd has a very long history in China. Seven thousand years ago, we have found gourd and its seeds at Hemudu site in Yuyao, Zhejiang province. According to Chinese folk culture, gourd is a symbol of good fortune. Gourd and its luxuriant stem and leaves symbolize big family with prosperous passed down from generation to generation. 

A gourd shed has been draw on the top of the fish pond in this painting. Large gourds are hanging on the vines which are extended and intertwined. There are ripples underneath and goldfishes leisurely swimming in the meantime. The composition of this painting is intense on the top section and relatively loose at the lower part. It not only highlights the vitality of the gourd, but also produces a strong visual contrast of artistic effects formed by the difference in sizes and movement. In terms of using color, I try my best to be decisive with careful consideration. I use bold black color and dark green lines to express the full vigor of gourd vines. On the other hand, I use the different brightness of green and even yellow to show different maturity of gourd. Red is adopted as the main color tone to depict the swimming fish which exploring out of the water, whereas light black color used to display those snorkeling under the water. The contrast between these colors is simple and strong, like a living body with fresh enthusiasm, which makes the picture full of dynamic, and let the readers unconsciously be moved by the picture and integrate into the painter's rich subjective feelings. In terms of using brushstrokes, because of the emphasis on the lush and vitality of the gourd, I have painted mostly with large brush strokes on the whole. Some strong color changes are even made directly by scraping with oil painting knife. Through these changes of different thickness and texture of brushstrokes, the whole picture is more layered and vivid.