Online learning

Introducing the dance of the eye and the hand

If you wish to study with Bob but have been unable to participate in his bi-weekly classes or one-day intensives, or live a distance away from Laughing Waters Studio, here is a listing of the series of 50 video lessons called the dance of the eye and the hand. These were crafted during the days of social distancing because of COVID 19.

Assumptions behind the dance of the eye and the hand

As a teacher I begin with several assumptions. Any student coming to me has 3 sets of skills to be nurtured.

First, the student has the skills of the eye - when they look at things, what do they see?

Second, the student has the set of skills of the hand - how are they able to connect what they see to the brush, the ink and the paper?

Third, the student has the set of skills of their heart/mind - how are their actions connected to the source of their energy, their spirit, the Qi?

It is from these assumptions that I offer the dance of the eye and the hand.

These instructional videos with printable models are based on the concept that to learn Chinese brush painting one must train not only one’s hand but one’s eye as well.

The understanding is that continued learning is a tension between what the eye can see and what the hand can do. And that the dance of the eye and the hand will always be in play. Sometimes the eye will see more than the hand can do. Sometimes the hand will be in the lead. It is a dance.

That tension is always there.

Mastery is a process. Not a destination.


Below is a brief video in which Bob explains intent of the dance of the eye and the hand as an approach to learning Chinese brush painting:

The first video of most series is available to view free of charge.

If you wish to receive the pdf handout for the lesson and have Bob give you email critiques, you may purchase the lesson.

Purchase of each lesson includes:
• unlimited use of the video lesson
• personal email critiques from brush painter Bob Schmitt
• a downloadable pdf handout including support materials and models for this lesson

When payment is made through PayPal, learner will be emailed video access code and PDF handout for lesson.

You can choose from 3 separate series

  • For Beginning Students

    10 video lessons by brush painter Bob Schmitt, introducing the Dance of the Eye & the Hand: fundamentals of Chinese brush painting:

    These are intended for the beginning or novice student or for those wishing to sharpen their skills with the brush.

    Go to list for Beginners

  • For Continuing Students

    25 video lessons by brush painter Bob Schmitt, continuing the Dance of the Eye & Hand: with more fundamentals of Chinese brush painting.

    These are intended for the student with some background with Asian brush painting and for the adventurous who wish to push their skills.

    Go to list for Continuing students

  • Online Intensives

    Bob is converting a selection of his one-day intensives to 4 session videos with pdf handouts and email critiques

    Currently these include:
    • Introduction to Color
    • Painting the waters of Lake Superior

    • Painting the blind men crossing the bridge

    Go to list of Online Intensives

Laughing Waters Basic Painting Kit

For Chinese painting lessons, all supplies can be purchased through the shop at Laughing Waters Studio.

Basic Painting Kit

A $100 basic painting kit that includes painting felt, brush, ink stick, ink stone, wash bowl and a roll of xuan paper is available.

Art Supplies

Continuing students and others can purchase supplies of expendable materials: paper, ink sticks and other supplies as needed.

Order by phone or email. Shipped or pickup at studio.

612 333-1881

bob@laughingwatersstudio.com

Stay current with Bob's creative work.

Receive notices of new work, exhibits, in-person class, intensive offerings, online classes and events.