Start with Drawing Fundamentals
Begin with Yim Mau-Kun's approach to classical drawing — observation, structure, and form.
Studio notes, demonstrations, and reflections from decades of portrait, landscape, narrative painting, and classical art education.
Four guided entry points into five decades of teaching — pick the path that matches what you want to learn.
Begin with Yim Mau-Kun's approach to classical drawing — observation, structure, and form.
Explore how drawing, value, color observation, and brushwork come together in oil painting.
Follow the development of narrative paintings from idea to composition, character studies, and final execution.
Read reflections on artistic heritage, East-West influences, teachers, peers, and personal history.
New to Yim Mau-Kun's teaching? Follow this path to move from drawing foundations to oil painting, color, and composition.
Want a more structured introduction? Download the free 5-Step Classical Drawing Method guide.
Download the Free GuideReady to go deeper into portrait painting? Explore Yim Mau-Kun's Online Academy.
Visit the Online AcademyFollow Yim Mau-Kun's process for developing narrative paintings, from story and composition to character studies and final execution.
The principles behind Yim Mau-Kun's drawing method — structure, value, form, and disciplined observation.
How outdoor painting sharpens color observation, composition, and the ability to respond directly to nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning your journey into oil painting, this course will guide you through the essential techniques to elevate your portrait painting skills. Let’s explore some of the key…
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If you're passionate about improving your drawing and creating portraits that are both technically accurate and full of expression, here are some key insights from Mr. Yim's approach that you can apply to your own…
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Dear Mr. Yim, I love drawing and have watched your drawing video lessons many times. I’m mesmerized by the firm and soft edges and texture in your drawing and would like to emulate, but it’s hard for me to put the…
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This is the final installment in the series on creating narrative paintings. In Part 2, I discussed the composition, charcoal study, color study, and major revisions of “Reaching Shore.” In this post, I will focus…
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This is a continuation of the previous post on narrative paintings. In this part, I will share my experience creating the large-scale narrative painting “Reaching Shore” (“到彼岸”) — a work that went through years of…
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There are different genres of narrative paintings such as contemporary, historical, military (battle scenes), religious, fantasy, etc. Inspiration of a narrative painting topic can be from life experience, life…
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I was born in Taoyuan County on the banks of the Yuan River in Hunan. and I grew up in Changde, Xiangxi. I’ve yearned to go back and visit for many years. I also wanted to visit Fenghuang and Chatong in search of…
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Small paint box, paintbrushes, palette knife, easel, masking tape and of course, oil colors – these are all indispensable.
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Chen Yi-Fei was a household name towards the end of the Cultural Revolution. Red Flag , a Communist Party magazine published by the central government, took the unprecedented step of including his portrait in…
Read →Method, observation, structure, value, portrait accuracy, and classical training.
Portrait painting, color mixing, palette organization, brushwork, and how drawing underpins painting.
Outdoor painting, landscape composition, travel painting, and color study from nature.
Storytelling, composition, character development, and the large-scale creative process.
Representational art, East-West traditions, the role of drawing, and creative philosophy.
Personal history, teachers, peers, artistic friendships, and memories.
Get the free drawing guide and receive occasional lessons, course updates, and reflections on classical drawing and painting.
Download the Free Drawing Guide