Signature
Signed AU HO-NIEN in Chinese
With two seals of the artist
+ OVERVIEW
This work was made in the summer of 1990, depicting two goats under a willow with a river on the side. The male goat was put on the front depicting a side portrait of the face. Right side of the work was placed with a summer willow shine with luscious green. A female goat was placed on the left echoing with the other goat, next to a stream, which enhances the balance and richness of colours in the painting.
Au’s works were painted meticulously with Shanma brush, commonly used by Lingnan School of Art. Such brushwork creates a crispy light depiction. Water was used with the brush on the goat’s body, before outlining the goats’ bodies with ink. Brown and ochre was then used to depict the light and shadow of the body.
Finally, the title was written in seal script, carrying an auspicious meaning.