erdEducation Reform and Development2652-53642652-5372Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/erd.v8i8.15393ArticleThe Logic Behind the Use of Brushwork and Color in Ren Bonian’s Flower-and-Bird Paintings: Transformation and Application in Modern Chinese Painting Creationhttps://artdesignp.com/journal/erd/8/8/10.26689/erd.v8i8.15393QinYijia2026882026-09-17Contemporary flower-and-bird painting creation faces a dilemma between meticulousness and freedom—either excessively pursuing detailed craftsmanship at the expense of expressive spirit, or employing brushwork indiscriminately without structural coherence. This study examines the brushwork and color application logic in Ren Bonian’s works, proposing a three-dimensional framework of “using brush to depict form,”  “using ink to convey vitality,” and “using color to highlight essence,” thereby revealing his intrinsic mechanism of “controlling dynamism through compositional principles.” It identifies common misinterpretations of Ren Bonian’s approach in modern practice and proposes three transformation pathways: shifting from “sketching from life” to “expressing inner vision”; upgrading color structure from “accentuating details” to “constructive composition”; and elevating artistic language from “instantaneous moments” to “imagery-based abstraction,” supported by analyses of contemporary works. The paper argues that learning from Ren Bonian should extend beyond stylistic imitation to embrace his methodology of “transforming life experiences into brushwork parameters,” achieving a creative transition from “imitating techniques” to “emulating artistic intent,” thus providing actionable methodological guidance for revitalizing traditional elements in contemporary Chinese painting.Ren Bonian, Boneless flower-and-bird painting, Brushwork logic, Contemporary interpretation

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