Traditional Materials —Students will be taught with what are called the four treasures of a brushpainter: Ink stick, ink stone, rice paper and natural-hair bamboo-handled brushes.

Classical Painting —Personal instruction and a workbook on brush techniques and materials will aim to enable students to produce traditional paintings. Students have an opportunity to paint orchids, chrysanthemums, bamboo and plum blossoms in both color and black and white. Elements including birds and butterflies will accent compositions. The instructor will discuss the expression of flow and movement to achieve a pleasing visual balance in a distinct Asian style.

Branching Out —After learning the pure ancient form, students are encouraged to develop their identity and can apply brushpainting to various mediums including textiles, glass, pottery, tile and any paintable surface!

Private Instruction —Individual instruction can be scheduled through the artist. Lessons can be conducted at the student's or artist's residence. Private instruction is recommended —with a set of six introductory lessons to begin— for the best learning curve and results. Groups of two or three can also be scheduled. Please contact Griffith Tso for more details.

Local Classes —Griffith Tso is teaching at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne for Winter and Spring 2010 and registration is open for that session which runs from Jan. 7 to March 3 and March 18 to May 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 Thursdays. There will be no class on Jan. 14 and April 1 and 15. Class slots are limited to 8 students, so sign up today! Pig Pen Pottery in Great Falls, Va. also hosts semi-private and group classes and workshops with this year's first Feb. 6 Saturday at 10 a.m.