Chinese Brush Painting, or Sumi-e in Japan, is a watercolor technique that originated in China over three thousand years ago. It is closely tied to the written language and religions of China, Japan and Korea. While using very basic, yet highly refined tools, the artist's sole purpose is to express 'chi'. This term can be translated as breath or spirit... the quality of something that gives it life or liveliness. The outward appearance of the subject is condensed to its essence. The traditional practice is to wander and explore the natural world and then paint what is in the mind upon returning home. The best paintings are created when heart, mind and hand are in accord and are in fact 'written ideas'.

Bruce Iverson paints in the traditional "Hsieh-i" or spontaneous style of Chinese Brush Painting. He has been painting in this manner since 1972 and has studied with three Chinese master brush painters. Bruce's works have been exhibited in many juried regional shows and are part of private collections within the United States, Canada and Australia. He is a member of the New Hampshire Art Association, teaches brush painting at the Coolidge Center for the Arts in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and gives workshops on a regional basis.