This is a mini-painting of bamboo done in ink wash. The bamboo is the most popular plant in China and the most important subject in Chinese brush painting. The brush stroke for painting bamboo leaves is a foundational one in Chinese brush painting, and some artists spend their whole life perfecting it. My bamboo is definitely a work in progress. :) The bamboo represents energy and vitality, as well as the "calm in the midst of a storm." It symbolizes blessings of tranquility and stands for simplicity and humility. It is the balance between grace and strength, flexibility and integrity - it stands firm and bends with the wind in a storm, yet maintains its ground and stands upright again once the storm moves on.