Chinese painting can be divided into two major modes; a meticulous and detailed one (kung-pi) and a free, expressionistic one called "sketching ideas (hsieh-i)." A middle path, however, is often adopted to avoid extremes and capture accurately the outer form as well as the inner spirit. The traditional artist may paint with great detail, but would not just copy exterior forms; or, the artist may paint with abandon and set aside the rules of representation, but not go so far as to create abstract art. Whether a vast overview or an intimate scene, the goal of the artist is to lead viewers into a painting and create a realm unto itself. Furthermore, the Chinese (writing with the brush) naturally transfer the techniques of calligraphy to painting. As sister arts, they often appear together. When combined with poetry and the seal, the work is complete in form and spirit to create one of the enduring features of Chinese painting.

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