Xie He's six principles

Xie He’s six principles are foundational guidelines for evaluating Chinese paintings. They emphasize the importance of capturing the spirit or essence of the subject rather than just realistic depiction. These include understanding the overall idea, portraying the form accurately, using lively and truthful brushwork, conveying energy, maintaining appropriate plane and structure, and effective composition. Essentially, the principles focus on expressing the soul of the artwork through skillful technique, harmony, and vividness, guiding artists to create paintings that resonate emotionally and intellectually.