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$399 per guest
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Our mission is to improve mental wellbeing through our workshops and experiences. We curate our teachers and hosts carefully to ensure that they are of high quality.
That's why we provide a money-back guarantee*: If you're unsatisfied with this experience, just leave it at least 20 minutes before it ends, and tell us (the ClassBento team) the reason for your dissatisfaction within 4 hours of that time, and we'll provide you with a refund.
* We may choose to limit our refund per customer at $1000. In some rare cases, we may also require you to show us your photo ID before we process the refund.
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Here you'll just specify the first date of your class series.
This class series runs over 8 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.
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ClassBento money-back guarantee
Our mission is to improve mental wellbeing through our workshops and experiences. We curate our teachers and hosts carefully to ensure that they are of high quality.
That's why we provide a money-back guarantee*: If you're unsatisfied with this experience, just leave it at least 20 minutes before it ends, and tell us (the ClassBento team) the reason for your dissatisfaction within 4 hours of that time, and we'll provide you with a refund.
* We may choose to limit our refund per customer at $1000. In some rare cases, we may also require you to show us your photo ID before we process the refund.
How can we help?
Q: Do I need any painting experience?
No experience is required. This course is designed for complete beginners, and I will guide you step by step.
Q: Are all materials provided?
Yes. All pigments, brushes, ink, Xuanpaper, and tools are supplied. You don't need to bring anything.
Q: Will I finish a painting in one session?
You will complete a practice painting each session, and a final artwork in the last session. Earlier lessons focus on building skills such as ink lines, shading, and layering.
Q: Can I take home what I create?
Yes -- guests will take home artworks they create in class.
Q: What if I can't draw well?
That's completely fine. Gongbi painting values patience more than talent. You'll improve quickly with guided practice.
Q: Is Gongbi difficult to learn?
Gongbi is detailed but very beginner-friendly when learned step by step. The slow, meditative pace helps everyone progress comfortably.
Q: What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing. The materials we use are water-based, but aprons are provided if needed.
Q: How long is each class?
Each session runs for approximately 2 hours. The pace is calm and relaxed.
Q: Can children join the class?
This course is recommended for adults ( or 14 + if you prefer). Not recommended to anyone who is under 14 years old.
Q: What happens if I need to reschedule?
Rescheduling follows ClassBento's policy. You can manage your booking directly through the platform.
Q: Is this class suitable for people who don't speak Chinese?
Absolutely. The class is taught in English, with bilingual explanations available if needed. 如果需要也可以用中文进行教学。
Q: Will we learn classic Chinese paintings?
Yes. The final session includes studying and copying a Song-dynasty flower painting.
Q: What ages is this class suitable for?
A: Adults & 14+ years. An adult must accompany any attending kids (the adult may observe for free).
Q: What's the cancellation policy?
A: Free to cancel or reschedule up until 3 days before the class
Q: How long does the class run for, and what's the price?
A: 8 x 2 hours, $399 per guest
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Need a thoughtful gift idea?
card_giftcard Gift an experienceFive Week Gongbi Painting Course for Beginners
Learn outlining, flat wash, and layered shading to create your first refined Gongbi artwork
studio lilychen
5.0 (2)
ClassBento donates
with every booking to
8 x 2 hours
1 to 4 guests
$399
(Afterpay & PayPal Pay in 4 available)
What you'll do
redeem
Get 15% off gift cards, using the code GIFTING15 in the checkout.
Offer ends soon.
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Ink Line Drawing
Ink line drawing ( or Baimiao白描 ), is the foundational outlining technique in Gongbi painting. It uses fine, steady brush lines to describe the structure, contours and details of a subject before colour is applied.
IniInitial Shading of the Petals and Leaves
Use bud yellow colour to shade the petals, flat wash front leaves, back leaves and flower branches. In this step, the light-and-shadow transitions help express overlaps, depth and spatial distance.
Second Layer - Layered Shading
Continue shading the front leaves, back leaves, flower branches and petals with different colours.
Third Layer - Layered Shading
Focus mainly on shading the leaves, shading the colour from the bottom of each leave toward the tip.
- Cultivates calm and focus: Gongbi painting encourages slow, intentional brushwork that naturally quiets the mind. As you pay attention to each line and gentle wash of colour, your thoughts settle, and a peaceful, meditative state begins to form—a beautiful relief from everyday stress.
- Supports mental clarity and emotional balance: The process of observing shapes, balancing light and shadow, and working patiently through each layer helps organise the mind. Many beginners find clarity, confidence, and emotional steadiness emerging as they paint.
- Awakens creativity and self-expression: Gongbi’s delicate techniques create space for creativity to unfold softly and naturally. Even if you’ve never painted before, you’ll discover new ways to express your inner world through colour, form, and detail.
- Builds patience and mindfulness: Each step—from outlining to layering and refining—invites you to slow down, breathe, and stay present. This mindful rhythm gently trains resilience and teaches the joy of moving at your own pace.
- Nourishes a sense of achievement and inner connection: Watching your artwork gradually appear on silk or Xuan paper brings a deep sense of fulfilment. It reconnects you with your inner stillness, reminds you of your capability, and often leaves you feeling lighter, clearer, and quietly proud.
- One set of 12-colour Chinese painting pigments (12ml each)
- One set of Gongbi painting brushes (8 brushes)
- Forty sheets of sized Xuan paper (34cm x 34cm)
- One bottle of liquid ink (100ml)
- One roll of Kraft paper water-based adhesive tape (2.4cm x 45m)
- One wooden painting board (40cm x 40cm)
- The first session introduces the materials and tools used in Chinese Gongbi painting, along with proper brush handling and ink line-work practice.
- The second and third sessions focus on practising medium-to-long ink lines and learning the shading techniques for petals and leaves.
- The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh sessions teach the combined application of techniques such as flat wash, layered shading, overlay wash, halo shading, and re-outlining to paint a branch-flower composition.
- The eighth session is devoted to studying and copying a Song-dynasty painting.
celebration
info
This class is not available for purchase
What you'll get
- All materials and tools provided, in including brushes, pigments, sized Xuanpaper, ink, and a wooden painting board. You take home all for your home practices after first lesson. Only bring brushes for each lesson, and bring wooden painting board, kraft paper water-based adhesive tape to seventh and eighth lesson.
- Step-by-step guidance through foundational Gongbi techniques such as ink line-work, flat wash, layered shading, overlay wash and halo wash.
- A few beautiful artworks created by yourself, ready to take home.
- A calm, meditative creative experience that supports focus, relaxation, and emotional wellbeing.
- Personalised feedback throughout the session to help build confidence and skill.
- A deeper appreciation of traditional Chinese fine brushwork and its elegant artistic philosophy.
Knowledge required
No previous knowledge is necessary. Simply come with an open mind and allow the slow, elegant rhythm of Gongbi to guide you.
What to bring
Just bring yourself! No need to pack anything except your lovely smile. Extra points if you bring patience... but don't worry, we have some to spare in the studio.
Session repeats
This class series runs over 8 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.
Suitable for
Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 14 years old).
An adult must accompany any attending kids (the adult may observe for free).
This experience would also be a unique gift for her or gift for mum.
FAQ
Do I need any painting experience?
No experience is required. This course is designed for complete beginners, and I will guide you step by step.
Are all materials provided?
Yes. All pigments, brushes, ink, Xuanpaper, and tools are supplied. You don't need to bring anything.
Will I finish a painting in one session?
You will complete a practice painting each session, and a final artwork in the last session. Earlier lessons focus on building skills such as ink lines, shading, and layering.
Can I take home what I create?
Yes -- guests will take home artworks they create in class.
What if I can't draw well?
That's completely fine. Gongbi painting values patience more than talent. You'll improve quickly with guided practice.
Is Gongbi difficult to learn?
Gongbi is detailed but very beginner-friendly when learned step by step. The slow, meditative pace helps everyone progress comfortably.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing. The materials we use are water-based, but aprons are provided if needed.
How long is each class?
Each session runs for approximately 2 hours. The pace is calm and relaxed.
Can children join the class?
This course is recommended for adults ( or 14 + if you prefer). Not recommended to anyone who is under 14 years old.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
Rescheduling follows ClassBento's policy. You can manage your booking directly through the platform.
Is this class suitable for people who don't speak Chinese?
Absolutely. The class is taught in English, with bilingual explanations available if needed. 如果需要也可以用中文进行教学。
Will we learn classic Chinese paintings?
Yes. The final session includes studying and copying a Song-dynasty flower painting.
Location
Yallambie, VIC
Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.
Your teacher
My journey with Chinese Gongbi painting began in my childhood, growing up surrounded by traditional art, stories, and the quiet beauty of nature. But the true turning point came in early 2023, when I had a vivid dream that felt unmistakably spiritual. In the dream, a gentle yet firm voice reminded me said, “Have to be an artist before die.” I woke up with a profound sense of clarity and purpose. From that moment, I knew that creating art—and sharing its beauty with others—was the path I was meant to follow.Gongbi has become both my meditative practice and my creative language. I enjoy guiding students through the calm, focused process of fine line-work, subtle shading, and delicate colour layering. Watching their confidence grow as they discover this ancient art form is truly inspiring.As a bilingual Chinese artist working on Xuan paper, silk, and traditional silk fans, I bring authentic materials, cultural insight, and personal artistic experience into every session. My teaching is grounded in patience, encouragement, and the belief that everyone can create something beautiful.In addition to hosting regular studio classes, I recently delivered a guest speech and live demonstration for the Decoupage Guild Australia. In early 2025, my artwork was also featured in the HOPE art exhibition with Whittlesea Council.
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