Techniques. Pencil ; Pen ; Chinese brush ; Fountain brush ; Pen and wash ; Pencil and color wash ; Colored crayons ; Watercolor paint ; Oil paint ; Using time effectively ; A short time : 2-5 minutes ; 10-15 minutes ; 20-25 minutes ; 30-45 minutes ; 60 minutes ; More than 1 hour ; Capturing movement ; Visual memory ; Structure and composition.

"Award-winning artist Qu Lei Lei offers an inspirational view of art from the Chinese perspective. Instead of looking at the sketch as an end in itself, he focuses on the work as personal fulfillment for the artist and as a valued meditation. All the essential techniques are here--from choosing and using materials to mixing the ink to mastering brushstrokes. With the natural world as his subject, Lei Lei pulls out key features--water, trees, landscapes--and focuses on practical ways of depicting their different varieties. A master class covers techniques for capturing pets at play, and for conveying the spirit of all living creatures." -- Amazon.com.