Sparrow and Blue Daisy Mineral Pigment Painting Course

 

Sun Museum will host the “Sparrow and Blue Daisy” Mineral Pigment Painting Course this September, featuring special guest guidance from artist Danni Shen.

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By depicting the autumn blue daisy and sparrows, participants will deeply explore the millennium-old heritage of mineral pigment painting. Participants will learn about the characteristics of various mediums, such as mineral pigments, animal glue, and paper, and gain hands-on experience with core techniques, including preparing the base, mixing colours, creating textures, making “gofun” (made from oyster shells), relief outlining, and polishing, then building a solid foundation for the creative practice through practical application.

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Across four sessions, participants will start by understanding fundamental materials and painting methods, experiencing firsthand the unique aesthetic beauty brought by texture and colour. Building upon basic mineral pigment painting skills, the course specifically introduces the application of textured baseboards and a touch of coloured clay underpainting. Danni will also demonstrate how to flexibly use coloured pencils to assist in carving out details, delicately rendering the elegant posture of the blue daisy and the light, agile spirit of the sparrows. This course will guide beginners through the versatile joy of creating with mineral pigments. 

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Date: September 8, 15, 22, 29 (Tuesday)

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Venue: Sun Museum Café

Fee: HKD 1,300 for 4 sessions (excludes the cost of mineral pigments*)

Language: Cantonese

​Age: 16 years old or above

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Materials: Most of the materials and tools will be provided by the instructor (e.g. brushes, drawing boards and paper). Natural mineral pigments from the brand "Tianchengxuan" will be available for purchase at the museum shop (around HKD 400). You are welcome to bring your own mineral pigments to class if needed.

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【Course Outline】

Lesson 1

• Introduction to the history of mineral pigment

• Instruction on glue mixing proportions

• Demonstration of traditional woodblock paper mounting, including base colour application and printing lace patterns

 

Lesson 2

• Demonstration of making “gofun” (made from oyster shells)

• Layering “gofun” for the background, sanding the baseboard, and transferring the design layout

 

Lesson 3

• Raised relief line decoration and glazing

• Student practice with individual guidance

 

Lesson 4

• Detail processing and sanding

• Colour blending (e.g. coloured pencils, pigment powders)

• Pobservation and critique

 

Artist | Danni Shen

Danni graduated from the London College of Communication, University of the Arts London, in 2024. She began exploring mineral pigment painting during her studies and later gained curatorial and art advisory experience in museums and galleries.

 

She now works as a professional illustrator and part‑time painting instructor. Her work blends mineral pigments, charcoal, and etching into delicate brushwork, creating visually rich, narrative‑driven images. Alongside her practice, she is actively involved in promoting Hong Kong’s local art scene.