Assignment:

Message no. 1: posted by Deborah Vess (IDST_2310) on Sat Aug 19, 2000 16:52 Subject Assignment

You are Pooh.Believe it and be it for just a moment. Remember Pooh's philosophy of life as expressed in the Taoh of Pooh. Now think carefully about how someone with this philosophy of life would view nature, and how a painter would express this view of nature and the Tao in art. Now, Pooh, teach a young, budding artist how to paint a Taoist landscape. Enter your studio with your pupil, and teach him in one or two paragraphs how to paint according to the Tao. Your pupil will be perplexed and might need help on the following points:
*What things should the landscape include?
*What should these things look like?
*How should they be arranged?
*Should the various things in the painting be grouped closely together or widely spaced apart?
* Should there be people? If so, what should they look like?

Only you, Pooh, have the simple wisdom to answer these and many other questions. Your pupil awaits you.

Student postings:

Message no. 320: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 13 on Sun Nov 26, 2000 16:22 Subject re: Assignment

Well, my friend, here we are in my studio. I know it looks scattered and messy, but I know where everything is. I am a Taoist artist, so I am going to show you how I paint and why I put things in certaing places. To begin with, a Taoist adapts to his surroundings. He becomes one with nature. So, close your eyes and take a long, slow, deep breath. Now release it and repeat. Remove anything from your mind. Now open your eyes and just paint a landscape that seems to fit the Taoist ideals. Here, let me demonstrate. (some time later) There. Now, let me explain. Here, you see a vine that has crawled up this tree. Instead of the vine trying to overcome the tree, it has just wrapped itself around the tree and adjusted. And also, in this stream to the side, there are rocks. The stream does not allow the rocks to interfere with its flow, it only moves to flow around the rocks. These are only a few examples in my work. Now you try and see if you are a Taoist artist!

Message no. 328: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 24 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 20:31 Subject re: Assignment

the first thing you must learn to become a taoist artist is that you must not work with nature and not try to overcome it. in my painting you will see a river running through a forest. in the forest there is a small house, the house has a tree in the middle of it this shows how taoist don't mess up nature. they go around it and let everything be natural. the river is full of rocks but the rocks don't stop the river it goes around it. hopefully by this painting you will better understand the thoughts of a taoist painter.

Message no. 329: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 4 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 20:34 Subject re: Assignment

My young student, today we will be painting the perfect example of Taoism. Keep in mind the teachings you have gained from reading the Tao of Pooh, for they will help you to create your painting. What?! You say you never read the book! Well then, let me give you an example of what Taoism entails. Take, for example, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He is famous for creating buildings that, one could say, follow the beliefs of Taoism. The interiors are spacious and everything inside is spaced out. They generate a sense of calm and encourage contemplation and serenity. The most important aspect of his creations lie in the way he places the buildings on the landscape. Frank's Waterfall house is the perfect example. This house is built over a waterfall. The waterfall flows freely through the house and is not obstructed by anything. Both the building and water coexist and benefit from eachother, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings. there is no strict pattern that is followed, just a natural layout. Now, my pupil, keep in mind these ideas and create for me a painting that shows not only skill, but harmony, naturalism, and a sense of coexistence.

Message no. 330: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 21 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 20:54 Subject re: Assignment

Come along lad into my wonderful studio...I am going to teach you the way of the Tao...To be a Taoist painter, you must first learn to relax your mind. Begin by thinking about absolutely nothing and taking deep breaths...Go ahead junior...do it... ...Now, let your mind free and observe my painting here...You see how this house here was built around a beautiful tree...The tree could have easily been cut down and the house built where it stood...but, then it would not have been a true taoist painting...the reason is because Taoist believe that nature should not be messed with and all things should adapt around nature...you see how the rocks in the garden behind the house has water running around its' sides...that is another example of how nature should not be overcome and tampered with... ...Now, my young buddy...I want you to take your new Taoist knowldege..and go out and paint a beautiful picture:)

Message no. 332: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 18 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 21:18 Subject re: Assignment

I am teaching you a lesson in taoism by using taoist beliefs to paint a piece of landscape. I know you have never practiced taoism before, but maybe by the time you finish you piece of art you will have a better knowledge of taoism. First, you must free your mind of all things and put the paintbrush on the canvas and let your thoughts flow onto the canvas. The second thing you must do is paint the landscape as if you dont wont to overcome the aspect of the nature rather capture it in its beauty. For instance draw a tree with natural occurring things around not just a single tree, but some roots and leaves or maybe you could draw a river with rocks with water running around them instead of over them. Try to capture nature in its timelessness, dont try to make things that are generic. Hopefully by drawing a painting you have captured the concept of taoism.

Message no. 335: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 16 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 22:03 Subject re: Assignment

Ahh, my young artist, do you wish to design your own landscape? You must first learn a few things about the taoist teachings. Now, just sit back, relax and clear your mind of everything. Now, think of nature, and the beauty of nature. What makes nature beautiful? Naturally, it would have to be the free spirit of nature. That is what you need to convey in your landscape. Let things grow freely. For instance, you need to let the rivers flow where they can, and don't force them down paths. You need to space things out to give them room to grow, and you have to let them develop into their own beauty. In the end everything, should look natural and as nature intended it.

Message no. 337: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 22 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 22:45 Subject re: Assignment

Good day, young artist! Welcome to my new studio where I allow myself to portray my beliefs in Taoism to the landscapes that surround me. To become a skilled artist you must remember many things, but most importantly you must know the importance of clearing your mind and meditate only on Taoism. While shaping a Taoist landscape you must feel the sense of nature that surrounds you. As you look around you will see trees and shrubs that nature has placed there for a specific reason. While landscaping this area you should work with around the trees and shrubs to make them a part of your masterpeice. Never shall you eliminate natural environments to make something look prettier. Nature itself is the most precious thing that there ever was. Also while looking around my studio you will see the spacious environment that surrounds me. There is no cramped or crowded area, instead there is room for the mind to grow and expand Now that you know and understand the importance of nature I ask that you sit down and apply it to this blank canvas. To paint a Taoist landscape you shouldn't need to know how to paint the realistic features of humens, but rather draw nature unaffected by the human race. Make sure that as you paint you remember that the wind blows around the flowers that have already grown; and the weeds wind around bushes that nature planted. Don't look to past experiences and images to paint, but rather clear your mind completely and focus on the natural surroundings. I cannot wait to see the masterpiece that you will create!

Message no. 338: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 3 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 23:30 Subject re: Assignment

Hello young grasshopper! I'm glad that you have taken the time to experience and learn the art of landscape painting, with Taoist approach of course. This exercise should heighten your understanding and awareness of nature, and hopefully impart some degree of peace and tranquility in your own mind. First of all, clear your mind of the "un-natural." I mean the concrete, light bulbs, etc. that we as mankind have created. Picture nature as your natural instincts lead you to flow this vision to canvas. Don't attempt to correct what you may see as nature's imperfections; those trees are crooked for a reason, there are dead leaves on the ground for a reason, and there are bare spots where grass could not grow - you guessed it, for a reason. People can enter if that is what you envision. Keep the "extras" like makeup and jewelry away though. Follow these examples and enjoy yourself - there is no room for frustration or anxiety here!

Message no. 342: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 14 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 09:30 Subject re: Assignment

Hello Friend. Step into my studio. We're going to learn a little about the Taoist way of thinking and how you can paint the perfect landscape. "Oh bother. I forgot my teaching manual at home. Oh well. This will be even better. Taoists think very simply and since that is the kind of mind I have, Teaching you off the top of my head will be the best way." Now, just sit back and relax. Try to think fo a simple world in which no one bothers nature. Things have not been commercialized and everyone and nature coexists and help each other out. Just let your thoughts flow through your hand onto your paper. Ok Professor Pooh. I'm finished. What do you think? Excellent. I love the house you have with the tree growing through the middle. That is exactly what I was talking about. The people haven't cut down the trees. They just built thier houses aroun them. Also, you have an orchard surrounding another house and a boy with a big smile standing there enjoying the blossoms blowing around him. Wonderful. I also like the forest over there and the animals scurrying around. Oh, and the river flowing through the forest. You even have a deer and some rocks in the middle of the river. The water is not interrupted by these things. It is flowing around them. Everything jsut looks so natural. Nothing is in any particular order. I think you did an exceptional job for your first time. Keep up the good work. You have a very good grasp on the Taoist way of thinking!

Message no. 343: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 15 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 09:45 Subject re: Assignment

Alright student get out your paint and brush and statrt painting. First make ther horizon in the painting it is to be very simple and smooth. Now you probably should paint a few trees and flowers on the canvas in an organized pattern maybe a square or spiral, but nothing fancy.Now don't paint any people, but paint a small quaint cottage along the horizon line set off by itself. The colorsd should be calm and seren, nothing outstanding. Now aftter having done this you have painted a picture with the characteristics of Taoism.

Message no. 347: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 6 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 10:32 Subject re: Assignment

Welcome to my studio, my young budding artist friend... so you want to learn how to paint taoist painting. Well first you must get in touch with nature. Its not hard, just close your eyes and breath. Contrete on your breathing. Good. Open your eyes. Doing this everyday will help you focus and clear your mine of all the junk you young kids seen to have stuffed up there. Anyways lets get to the fun part. My favorite landscape to paint is either a waterfall or a beach scene. The water is very powerful and does "damage" without upsetting the balance of nature. The waves crash against the rocks and break them apart. But they aren't destroyed, they are tured in to the soft sand on the beach. This shows that nothing is forever. Not eventhe strong, all powerful rock can stand up against nature. There is a really good Chinese story about the power a rock has you should check it out. It called The Stonecutter... No I'm not going to tell you what happens. Kids, always want the easy way out. Their so lazy... Now go my young budding artist friend and experience nature and the learn the ways of Tao.

Message no. 354: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 7 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 16:11 Subject re: Assignment

Now, young artist I want you to paint a landscape picture. I want you to paint a painting with Taoism effect. To begin you must first meditate and clear your mind. You must relax and take deep breaths. Now, think of the perfect place in nature. Think of how it looks and what you see. Open your eyes and begin to paint the image you saw in your mind. It should be very simply looking, not making it busy like. The objects should be widely spaced out and no people. So the painting won't get to busy and to keep the minded relaxed. WOW, young artist you painting looks great!! You have a very soothing painting. You have a simple field with a hut in the far corner that is barly visable. The area is very wide and the field seems to take movement with the wind. There are no people so one can leave it up to their imagination to carry on a story in thier mind. It makes it less busy and more relaxing to the eye of a viewer. I love the way you have seemed to capture nature in it's very climax of beauty. Right when the wind is coming across the field and the grass appears to be pressed down, while shining to the glow of the sun going down in the distance. Awesome work my talented artist you have truly mastered the art of Taoism in your painting.

Message no. 356: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 5 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 19:40 Subject re: Assignment

Hello student, I am Pooh. Yes, here in the flesh. Now I am about to give you the most important lesson of your life and that is a lesson on art. The first thing I want to let you know is that art should be like me and that is simple. The Taoist landscape should be simple. The scene is right before your eyes. Not me silly but nature. Nature is the most beautiful art that we have. The main thing you should do is capture the particular moment of nature. Let me give you an example, if you wanted to capture a scene of the ocean, you should wait until the tide. That is when it is most active. You don't add anything to the painting. Emptiness plays a big part in Taoist art. I know you are wondering how should these things be arranged. Here is your answer. When you look at nature, do you rearrange or enjoy the beauty of how it is in the present. You enjoy the beauty of how it is in the present; so do not change the order of the scene. Paint what you see. Don't add or take anything away from it. I know that there are people in many paintings. I betcha your next question is whether or not your painting should include people. If people is what you see in your scene, paint what you see. Don't try to make things harder that what it should be. Simplicity is the key to Taoist paintings.

Message no. 359: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 25 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 23:03 Subject re: Assignment

POOH--THE TAOIST TEACHER Dawn: Im glad you are here Pooh, I need your help. Im trying to be a landscape artist, and i know you are a taoist. Will you please help me? Pooh: OK Dawn. I'll try. What do you need to know? Dawn: Well first of all, What should my landscape look like? I don't even know where to begin. Pooh: This seems like it might take a while. Let me go get my honey jar. Ok. Your landscape should be a refection of nature and YOURSELF so no one can tell you exactly what it should lokk like but you. Understand? DAwn: Not really, but i'll figure something out. ......A few hours later...... Dawn: Your still here Pooh, i'm glad. I just dont undersrand what my landscape should look like. I think I kinda know what i want to put in it, but i still have a few questions for you. Pooh: Ask away. Dawn: I know I want to put these right here in my landscape, bou I dont know how to arrange them. Should the be close to gether like this (moving her models together) or far apart like this (moving the models apart). And another thing, Should I include people and if i do i just have know idea what they should look like. What should I do Pooh? Pooh: You know what your problem is? You have to much junk in your head and you cant think clearly. That why you dont understand. No one can tell you what to put in you landscape but you because it has to be a reflexion of yourself. I know what can help you though. Here read this book, its about me. Its called the Tao of Pooh. It should open up your head. I have to go now i told piglet i would meet him for dinner. .....A few months later..... Dawn: Pooh!!! you were right. That book opened up my head and helped me to understand exactly what you were telling me. I finished my landscape too, see. Isn't it great. Thank you so much for all your help Pooh: Th

Message no. 374: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 29 on Mon Dec 11, 2000 23:31 Subject re: Assignment

The world we see is far less than the world that is. Nature surrounds us, it craddles us and it nurtures us yet we should not forget this single lesson, we are transient, our lives are but a fluttering of a butterflies wing in eye of nature, for it has been and always shall be. It was before us and it shall be after us all that there is of consiquence. With this in mind treat nature as not the mere canvas on which the things of man rest but rather the whole of it. We are what is insegnificant before the mountain, the the man before the mountain. We are small creatures in a larger beautiful world paint us as such, if you must paint us at all. Mystical and real, nature is all of these things. Combine them in your work. Express the vastness of the world, large areas, large objects, water flowing giving life to the great trees, stone and sand, mountains one with the sky, all is as it should be. You will learn in time little one. Now, where is my honey?

Message no. 393: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 6 on Wed Dec 13, 2000 23:35 Subject re: Assignment

NOw my young student...I will teach you the ways of Taoism and then let you on your way so you may practice. The first thing that oyu must know is that you must never interfere with nature. You must work with things as they are. Should you paint a river, it should flow around the nature, not through it. Should you paint a house, you should paint it flowing in with nature. Should you paint people, they should be very small. You should show the forces of nature and let nature be the force. Now, my young pupil, I will let you to your work.

Message no. 413: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 20 on Thu Dec 14, 2000 15:30 Subject re: Assignment

Well, hello. I hear you want to learn how to paint like a Taoist. The very first thing you need to do is freek you mind of everything... just relax and let everything go. The first thing you need to learn is that the Taoists work along side nature. We don't try to overcome it or bother it. We work with nature and all of the beauty that it offers. The [aintings must be calm and serene... that's the Taoist way. All of the objects in this painting should be arranged around nature. You see, if there is a river with many rocks in it, the rocks learn to work with the river and allow the river's waters to run around it. This concept should be the basis of your painting. Many paintings, such as the one you are about to embark on, have a ver spead out landscape. It is very spaced out and many objects are apart from one another. When going to start your painting, just keep in mind that you need to free your mind and work with the calmness of nature. Everything should be dandy after that! I can't wait to see your painting! :)

Message no. 432: [Branch from no. 1] posted by student 11 on Sun Dec 17, 2000 21:46 Subject re: Assignment

Dr. Vess, I am positive that I did this posting before, I am going to do it again in hopes that it will raise my grade by 2 points. Plus, I am doing this without the aid of my notes because I am at home and they are at school. So, here goes. My young pupil. I have some words of advice for you. Don't be afraid of making anything in nature too large. Nature, by it's very essence, is large and powerful. People, however, should not be depicted in a large manner. It you must have people in your work, they must be a secondary factor in the work. The reason for this, my pupil, is that we, as people and Toaists, must work with nature as it is and not try to change anything about it. If we paint a stream, let it run through a forest, not straight along the edge of it. Paint things as they are. Do this, my pupil, and you will be a fine Taoist artist. I will send the cave assignment in another e-mail.

Message no. 327: posted by student 10 on Mon Nov 27, 2000 19:56 Subject

Hello Class!! I'm a Taoist artist and I will be teaching you what it's like to do what I do. It's a unique art form and will take some explaining from me to enable you to understand their work. Please join me here in the back while I demonstarte to you what the Taoist believe when painting a landscape. My place back here is very cluttered looking but I have a special place for everything and know where to find anything you need. That's the way Taoist are. As for the landscape of their works things in nature blend with their surroundings. For instance, in a river there are big rocks spaced out in the water, but the water doesn't stop at the rock, it continues to flow around the rock. On land, trees grow but don't grow on every inch of soil, they form but are spaced out and never over populate an area. In the sky there are clouds that are spaced about but the entire sky doesn't become an entire cloud. The clouds blend into the sky to be seen but never overtake the sky. The things blend in with nature. This is further explained by the fact that the Taoist believe in clearing your mind and concentrating on a single thing. That way the thoughts in your head are spaced about and random and this explains why they in their art have single items blend with nature. Now class, it's your turn to see how well I taught you the Taoist beliefs and paint your very own Taoist landscape.

Message no. 339: posted by student 31 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 00:18 Subject

Hello! Welcome to my studio! Let me introduce myself, I am Pooh. Many call me a simple mind, but they do not see the Taoist principles that are present in my life. You say you would like to paint a landscape, let me help. The best picture would encompass the Taoist way of thinking. Look at nature as it truley is. Do not look at the trees and think about the homes they could build or look at the stream and think about the water you could drink. See the tree as a tree. See the stream as a stream. Appreciate them for what they are. Paint what is really there. Paint even the faults, for they are part of the beauty. Thay are part of a greater whole which we are unable to see now. If you must paint man, make him one with nature, meditating or simple looking at his surroundings. He should not be fighting the stream in a boat or such, but he should work with nature. Paint in detail, but do not focus on the details. Show the beauty of nature as it truley is. By doing this you will create a Taoist landscape.

Message no. 351: posted by student 9 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 13:54 Subject

Paige Segars (I'm talking to my new art student) Welcome to The School of Taoist Art!!! I'm so glad you have come to find out what taoist art is all about. I understand that you want to paint a landscape!! I hope through our brief lesson I can help you gain the knowledge to become a great taoist artist. First it is important for you to become one with nature. I want us to go outside and get some fresh air. Then I want us to meditate for a few minutes. I want you to release everything from your mind and picture your most peaceful getaway. At first this might be difficult for you, but as you continue to grow as an artist you will learn to be able to get in touch with nature easily. After we meditate I want us to go and actually look at nature and see why things occur as they do. After that, it is up to you to express on canvas how you are feeling about the nature you are invisioning through all of our preparation! Good luck!!

Message no. 352: posted by student 30 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 14:32 Subject A lesson with Pooh on art

Hello young student. My name is Professor Pooh and I am assuming you want to learn how to make the beautiful and magnificant Taoist art. Well then we shall begin. Here at the school of Taoist Art we begin with one thing. That is clearing our minds of the everyday noise and clutter. I want you to meditate by closing your eyes and thinking of nothing. Harder than you thought. Keep trying it is a crucial step. Ok you are now going to think of the most perfect place in nature. Once you have that in mind begin your work, but remember that Taoist artists have a simple way of thinking and try and become one with nature. Wow! It looks as though you have grasped the concept very well. Your painting dipicts a mountainside with a small house on it that can barely be seen. Wonderful, this is exactly what needs to happen. Nature has been undesturbed although there is a small house in it. surrounded by trees and the mist make it one with nature. You are going to grow up and be just like professor Pooh young student. Now practice step one again when you get home. The more you clear your mind the better your art will be. See you next lesson!

Message no. 360: posted by student 23 on Tue Nov 28, 2000 23:13 Subject Pooh who

You say you want to paint some landscapes. I can offer you some advise from a taoist point of view. First you must clear the mechinism and simplify everything. Once you have done this you will be able to paint with ease and clarity. The water in the river does not stay in a straight line it follows the natural contours of the land. Take the path of least resistance. Your stoke should be like that of the river, flowing. Everything is from a certain point of view and must try to visualize that point. If you are in town paint the town as you see it. Now you try and if you have any questions just ask.

Message no. 362: posted by student 12 on Wed Nov 29, 2000 16:42 Subject tao Pooh:

Welcome Piglet. I'm so glad you decided to come and paint with me. Piglet: What are we going to paint today Pooh? Pooh: Piglet, I never know what I'm going to paint before I paint it. I use the Taoist method of meditation to carry my mind to another place and paint what I see. Piglet: But Pooh I'm scared. What if I go to where the efelumps and woozles live! They'll eat me! Pooh: Oh Piglet. Here hold my hand and close your eyes. I'll gide you to a beautiful place I like to go to in my head. (they meditate for a while) Well Piglet what do you think of my place? Piglet: Why Pooh its beautiful. There's a small stream going through the woods and over there is a small clearing with a tiny little house. And a woman out tending her garden, but she's a little fuzzy I cant really make out her face, but you can tell she's prety. The sun is shining and it makes me all warm. This is a very peaceful place Pooh. Pooh: Ok now you can open your eyes and sraw what you saw. Notice the way everything goes together. It just seems to flow like the river does. Not interfearing with nature, everything belongs even the little house. It seems as if the woods parted just for it. Thats the way the Taoists think. They don't interfear with nature they adjust themselves to it. Piglet: Wow Pooh this has been great. Thanks for teaching me. Pooh: Your welcome Piglet, now lets get a smackerel of honey, shall we?

Message no. 370: posted by student 2 on Fri Dec 08, 2000 14:47 Subject

Hello, my young student. Thank you for joining me as we explore taoist landscape painting. To begin, we must clear our minds of everything. Relax and do not let anything complicate your mind. Now think of a very simple landscape. If there are people in you rlandscape, they should be very little so that they do not disturb the natural beauty. My landscape has a hut built around a tree. To cut the tree down would be to disturb nature so the hut was built around the tree. In my river, there are many boulders but they do not disturb the flow of the water. Everything is very spaced and out and nothing is disturbed. Now, when you paint your landscape, paint it in the same way that you see it. Do not let the strokes of your brush disturb the natural motion. Keep everything simple.

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