The gay of genius-chapter 20

1. Central Question

Q: When was Su Tungpo's writing at its best?

A: It is generally recognized that Su's writing was at its best when he was intoxicated or inspired, and considering the rapid rhythm required in the execution of Chinese calligraphy or paintings, one can well believe it. He loved to drink, but after four or five cups, was already dead drunk. After a while he woke up, approached the table, and began to write or paint as fast as the wind. In ancient China, wine was a part of poet's life. Wine culture is closely related to poetry and paiting. For example, Li Bai, a poet of wine immortality in Tang Dynasty, also wrote a famous poem after being drunk.

2.Sentences

（1）For the basis of these vital lines, the calligraphist goes back to nature.

为了寻求富有活力的线条，中国书法家转向大自然。也就是说书法来自于大自然，而又高于大自然。

（2）This economy of brush work accounts for the spontaneity of Chinese painting.

惜墨如金，就说明了中国画纯出自然。

（3）A simple way of stating it would be to say that Sung painters tried to paint the spirit rather than the form of things.

简单来说，宋代画家要画的是精神，而不是外在。