These instruments are outlined as versatile implements originating from China, designed for use with water-based pigments on paper or different appropriate surfaces. They exhibit traits that permit for a variety of watercolor methods, from broad washes to nice detailing. For example, a brush with a responsive tip and good water retention could be appropriate for each laying down preliminary washes and including exact particulars to a botanical portray.
The worth of utilizing these implements stems from their skill to supply nuanced management over paint software and water circulation. Traditionally, Chinese language brush making has emphasised pure hair, similar to goat, wolf, or ox hair, identified for his or her distinctive properties. The mixture of those supplies and conventional manufacturing methods leads to brushes that present a delicate connection between the artist and the medium, facilitating expressive and managed marks. Their use permits for the creation of art work exhibiting delicate gradations, intricate particulars, and dynamic compositions.
A complete understanding requires exploration of the supplies used of their development, the completely different brush shapes and their meant functions, and the precise traits that contribute to their total efficiency. Moreover, issues concerning correct care and upkeep are essential for making certain longevity and constant efficiency.
1. Hair sort
The collection of hair sort is a major determinant of a brush’s efficiency and suitability in watercolor portray. The fiber composition instantly influences water retention, paint launch, and the comb’s skill to create particular marks. Completely different hairs supply distinct traits, and understanding these variations is significant in deciding on an all-around appropriate software. For instance, goat hair, a standard materials in Chinese language brushes, reveals glorious water absorption, rendering it efficient for creating broad washes and backgrounds. Conversely, stiffer hairs like these from wolves (usually weasel hair substitutes) present larger management for element work because of their spring and snap.
The sensible significance lies within the connection between hair sort and the specified portray type. A brush with combined hair varieties, similar to a mix of goat and wolf hair, makes an attempt to strike a steadiness between water retention and management. This permits artists to transition between washes and particulars with out switching implements continually. An occasion of this versatility is clear in panorama portray, the place an artist would possibly use the goat hair element for rendering sky and foliage washes and the wolf hair for outlining tree branches or architectural particulars. This eliminates the necessity for quite a few brushes and streamlines the portray course of. The chosen hair impacts paint circulation, texture creation, and the nuances of line variation.
In abstract, hair sort is a elementary attribute influencing the efficiency of those implements. Choosing the optimum hair or mix instantly impacts an artist’s capability to attain desired results effectively. Whereas pure hair is steadily considered superior for management and water retention, it necessitates correct upkeep to protect its traits. By understanding the interaction between hair sort and portray approach, artists can successfully use these versatile instruments to their full potential and discover one of the best all-around implement for his or her wants.
2. Water retention
Water retention is a important think about assessing the suitability of Chinese language brushes for watercolor portray. This attribute dictates the comb’s capability to carry water and subsequently launch pigment evenly onto the paper, instantly influencing the artist’s management and the ensuing art work’s high quality.
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Affect on Wash Utility
Larger water retention permits for the creation of clean, even washes with out the necessity for frequent reloading of the comb. That is notably necessary for methods similar to creating skies or massive areas of blended shade. A brush that dries out too rapidly results in uneven patches and laborious edges, detracting from the specified impact.
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Affect on Colour Depth
Constant water launch ensures a predictable stage of pigment focus in every stroke. Brushes with poor water retention might deposit uneven quantities of shade, leading to unpredictable variations in worth and hue. Managed water retention promotes uniformity and correct shade mixing on the paper.
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Relationship with Hair Sort
Sure hair varieties, similar to goat hair, are identified for his or her superior water-holding capabilities. The porous nature of those fibers permits them to soak up and retain a considerable quantity of water. Conversely, artificial fibers usually exhibit decrease water retention, requiring extra frequent replenishment of paint.
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Impact on Brushstroke Period
Prolonged water retention permits longer, extra fluid brushstrokes with out interruption. That is useful for creating steady strains, sweeping curves, or detailed patterns. The capability to take care of a constant circulation of paint enhances the artist’s skill to specific fluidity and motion throughout the portray.
Water retention performs a pivotal function in reaching desired watercolor results. The interplay of hair sort, brush development, and water-holding capability dictates the implement’s effectiveness. Consequently, prioritizing brushes with ample and managed water retention is paramount when in search of these finest suited to a variety of watercolor methods.
3. Form Versatility
The adaptability of brush form stands as a cornerstone when contemplating which Chinese language brushes supply essentially the most complete utility for watercolor portray. The power of a single brush to create quite a lot of marks and results streamlines the portray course of and broadens the artist’s expressive potential.
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Pointed Spherical Brushes: Precision and Element
Pointed spherical brushes, characterised by their sharp, tapered ideas, allow intricate element work and nice strains. They’re important for rendering delicate options in botanical artwork, architectural particulars, or portraiture. Their capability to carry a enough quantity of water additionally permits for clean, managed washes in smaller areas. An implement possessing a responsive level and good water retention excels at each element and managed washes, exemplifying the specified form versatility.
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Flat Brushes: Washes and Broad Strokes
Flat brushes, outlined by their broad, flat form, excel at laying down expansive washes and creating uniform backgrounds. The straight edge facilitates creating clear, sharp strains when used on their facet. Form versatility is demonstrated when a flat brush will also be used for textured results by stippling or dry brushing. Panorama painters generally use flat brushes to depict broad areas of sky or fields, adjusting the angle and strain to attain diverse textures and tonal gradations.
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Filbert Brushes: Softening and Mixing
Filbert brushes, distinguished by their oval or almond-shaped ideas, supply a compromise between the precision of spherical brushes and the protection of flat brushes. They’re notably helpful for softening edges, mixing colours seamlessly, and creating natural shapes. Artists typically make use of filberts in portraiture to subtly mix pores and skin tones or in panorama portray to render gentle, subtle foliage. A flexible filbert brush ought to preserve its form properly, permitting for constant and predictable mixing.
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Angular Brushes: Calligraphy and Managed Edges
Angular brushes, with their slanted, chisel-like ideas, facilitate exact line work and the creation of managed edges. They’re favored for calligraphic strokes, geometric shapes, and including definition to architectural components. Their distinctive form permits the artist to range the road width by adjusting the angle and strain utilized. Such versatility is effective in a software meant for all-around use, making it adaptable to various creative kinds and methods.
The vary of brush shapes influences its total adaptability. Every kind contributes distinctive capabilities to the watercolor portray course of. A collection of brushes encompassing these shapes, or particular person instruments engineered for multi-faceted software, constitutes an important asset for artists pursuing a flexible strategy. The interplay between form and approach, finally, determines the implement’s total utility.
4. Level Sharpness
Level sharpness is a important attribute when evaluating the suitability of Chinese language brushes for watercolor portray, influencing the precision and management achievable in numerous methods. A well-defined level allows the creation of nice particulars and complex linework, important elements in various creative kinds.
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Element Rendering in Botanical Illustration
Botanical illustration calls for meticulous rendering of nice particulars similar to veins in leaves, the feel of petals, and the delicate gradations of shade. A brush with distinctive level sharpness permits for the exact depiction of those components, leading to correct and lifelike representations. For example, a brush with a persistently sharp level can precisely depict the fragile hairs on a stem or the intricate patterns of a flower’s reproductive constructions. With out this attribute, particulars turn into blurred or vague, diminishing the general high quality of the art work.
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Calligraphic Purposes and Line Variation
Conventional Chinese language portray and calligraphy emphasize the significance of managed line variation. A brush able to sustaining a pointy level all through a stroke allows the artist to create dynamic and expressive strains, transitioning seamlessly from skinny to thick. The power to execute nice, managed strains is crucial for creating balanced and visually interesting compositions. Implement with a poor level would produce inconsistent line weights, hindering the artist’s skill to attain nuanced calligraphic results.
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Attaining Managed Washes
Though typically related to element work, level sharpness additionally contributes to managed washes in watercolor. When making use of washes to small or intricate areas, a brush with a nice level permits for exact software of pigment, stopping it from spreading past the meant boundaries. That is notably helpful in methods similar to glazing, the place layers of clear shade are constructed as much as create depth and luminosity. For instance, creating shadows on a small object requires a degree to regulate the unfold of the wash.
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Sturdiness and Form Retention
Level sharpness will not be solely a matter of preliminary development but additionally of sturdiness. A high-quality brush will retain its level after repeated use, even with publicity to water and pigments. The power to resist deformation is crucial for sustaining constant efficiency over time. Supplies like pure hair can lose their sharp level if not maintained; thus, resilience contributes considerably to a high-performing implement.
The aspects mentioned show the significance of level sharpness. Whether or not the target is detailed botanical artwork, calligraphic expression, or managed washes, a brush with distinctive level sharpness affords elevated management and precision. When assessing “finest throughout chinese language brushes for watercolor portray,” the flexibility to persistently ship a nice level stays a important criterion for evaluating total efficiency and flexibility.
5. Brush resilience
Brush resilience, outlined as the flexibility of brush fibers to return to their unique form after deformation, is a important attribute instantly impacting the general utility of portray implements. Throughout the context of watercolor portray, and particularly regarding implements of Chinese language origin, this attribute dictates their capability to take care of constant efficiency over prolonged durations. The cause-and-effect relationship is clear: superior resilience results in extended brush life and constant software, whereas poor resilience leads to untimely put on, form distortion, and inconsistent paint supply. The absence of resilience can result in fraying, splitting, or everlasting bending of the comb hairs, negatively affecting the artist’s management and precision.
The importance of resilience as a element of these deemed “finest throughout” is demonstrable. A brush repeatedly subjected to strain and moisture throughout watercolor software should preserve its kind to persistently create the specified marks. For instance, repeated use of a brush for detailed linework necessitates that the comb’s tip returns to its unique sharp level after every stroke. If the filaments splay or lose their form, the artist’s skill to render nice particulars is compromised. The comb then turns into restricted in its capabilities and fewer fascinating for numerous methods. Equally, a brush used for laying down washes ought to retain its total form to facilitate even pigment distribution. The sensible significance of understanding resilience permits artists to make knowledgeable choices about brush choice and upkeep, thereby optimizing their portray apply.
Efficient resilience is usually linked to the standard of supplies utilized in brush development, notably the kind and remedy of animal hair or artificial filaments. Moreover, correct care, together with thorough cleansing and proper storage, considerably contributes to sustaining resilience. In conclusion, brush resilience is an indispensable attribute within the “finest throughout chinese language brushes for watercolor portray.” Its presence ensures constant efficiency, longevity, and flexibility, all contributing to a constructive creative expertise. Its absence necessitates frequent brush alternative and limits the artist’s capabilities, finally hindering the pursuit of high quality watercolor art work.
6. Deal with consolation
Deal with consolation, steadily neglected, is a substantive think about evaluating the excellent utility of portray implements. The connection between deal with ergonomics and creative output is important. Discomfort or pressure from an improperly designed deal with diminishes the artist’s skill to take care of focus and management, impacting the precision and high quality of the ensuing watercolor portray. The hand’s skill to information the comb easily and persistently over prolonged durations is instantly influenced by deal with design and supplies.
The significance of deal with consolation, due to this fact, emerges as a important element of the implements deemed “finest throughout.” A well-designed deal with fosters relaxed grip, lowering fatigue and permitting for uninterrupted artistic circulation. For instance, a brush deal with with an acceptable size and diameter allows the artist to take care of a steady hand place, facilitating exact brushstrokes and nuanced management over water and pigment. Supplies additionally play a task; a deal with created from light-weight wooden or ergonomic artificial materials can decrease hand pressure throughout extended portray classes. The sensible significance resides within the enhanced capability to execute intricate particulars and delicate gradations, regardless of portray length. The form influences management, the burden impacts stability, and the fabric mitigates hand fatigue.
Consequently, when assessing the flexibility of Chinese language brushes for watercolor portray, deal with consolation warrants cautious consideration. The interplay between deal with design, materials composition, and the artist’s bodily well-being instantly impacts artistic execution. Implementing methods that prioritize ergonomics might result in improved focus, lowered fatigue, and, finally, higher-quality art work. A brush might exhibit glorious hair high quality and water retention, but when the deal with proves uncomfortable, its total worth diminishes. The interaction between bodily consolation and creative expression underscores the deal with’s significance within the analysis of “finest throughout chinese language brushes for watercolor portray.”
7. Dimension vary
The supply of a complete measurement vary is paramount when evaluating Chinese language brushes for watercolor portray. The power to execute various methods and obtain diverse creative results necessitates a collection of brushes spanning from very small to very massive. Restricted availability of measurement choices restricts the artist’s capability to deal with each expansive washes and minute particulars successfully, thus compromising the definition of “finest throughout chinese language brushes for watercolor portray”. An inadequate assortment of sizes limits the consumer to a slender band of expressive potential, whereas a large spectrum gives flexibility in subject material and approach. For example, rendering a panorama would possibly require a big brush for laying down broad sky washes and considerably smaller brushes for outlining particular person bushes or architectural components. A measurement vary failure leads to both an lack of ability to finish particular duties, a reliance on further instruments (defeating the “throughout” goal), or a compromise in high quality.
The absence of intermediate sizes creates challenges in reaching delicate gradations and transitions inside a portray. The power to easily transition between massive, sweeping washes and targeted element work depends on a rigorously curated assortment of incremental measurement will increase. Gaps within the measurement vary power the artist to both overwork the paint or accept abrupt shifts in tone and texture. Moreover, the artist should choose appropriately sized instruments to attain the suitable strokes in a given setting. The “finest throughout” choice should have the ability to work as the one set to attain work.
In conclusion, a complete measurement vary is an indispensable attribute of the subject material. The constraints imposed by a restricted measurement vary impede the artist’s capability to attain versatility and management, undermining its total worth. The “finest throughout” brush providing should current a large and complete vary of sizes. It contributes to the artist’s flexibility and inventive choices.
8. Sturdiness
Sturdiness, within the context of watercolor portray implements, signifies the capability to resist repeated use and publicity to water-based pigments with out important degradation in efficiency. The connection between sturdiness and implements deemed “finest throughout” is substantive: an absence of sturdiness negates the very premise of all-around utility. If the implement degrades quickly, its usefulness is short-lived, diminishing its worth to the artist. An implement’s filaments might lose their form, the deal with might crack or loosen, or the ferrule might corrode, all impacting efficiency and requiring untimely alternative. On this manner, sturdiness is crucial for throughout software.
Think about, for instance, implements constructed with low-quality supplies or insufficient manufacturing processes. These typically exhibit issues like hair shedding, deal with instability, or ferrule separation after just a few portray classes. Conversely, brushes made with high-quality pure hair, sturdy ferrules, and well-sealed handles can preserve their form, level, and water-holding capability for prolonged durations, even with frequent use and cleansing. Such sturdiness interprets into long-term value financial savings and constant creative output. It permits reliance on a well-known software over prolonged durations. This reliability promotes familiarity, talent growth, and the flexibility to breed desired creative results persistently.
In conclusion, sturdiness kinds a cornerstone in evaluating brushes. The attributes outline “finest throughout chinese language brushes for watercolor portray.” The presence of sturdiness ensures that the implement stays a dependable software, able to constant efficiency over time. The sensible implication is evident: prioritizing sturdy implements represents an funding in each creative high quality and long-term cost-effectiveness, negating the necessity for frequent replacements and making certain the continued expression of the artist’s imaginative and prescient.
9. Affordability
Affordability, regarding watercolor portray, denotes the accessibility of instruments relative to an artist’s monetary sources. Its intersection with brushes deemed “finest throughout” establishes sensible constraints and alternatives for artists of various financial backgrounds. The value level, due to this fact, instantly impacts the potential consumer base and the democratization of creative practices.
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Entry-Degree Accessibility
Reasonably priced implements allow novice artists to experiment with watercolor with out substantial monetary danger. The prepared availability of budget-friendly brushes removes a barrier to entry, encouraging exploration and talent growth. For instance, student-grade Chinese language brushes might supply acceptable efficiency for preliminary studying levels, permitting artists to defer funding in higher-priced choices till their abilities and dedication warrant the expenditure. The financial implications of entry-level affordability are substantial in increasing the potential creative group.
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Worth Proposition vs. Efficiency
The connection between value and efficiency dictates the worth proposition of any artwork provide. Reasonably priced implements might exhibit compromises in materials high quality, water retention, or sturdiness in comparison with costlier counterparts. Nonetheless, if the worth is sufficiently low and the efficiency satisfactory for particular duties, they will symbolize a viable choice. Artists should assess whether or not the advantages of higher-priced implements justify the extra value, contemplating elements similar to frequency of use, desired stage of element, and total creative requirements.
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Bulk Buying and Value-Effectiveness
Affordability typically facilitates the majority buy of various brush styles and sizes, offering a complete toolkit at an affordable value. This strategy permits artists to experiment with diverse methods with out incurring exorbitant bills. For example, buying a set of inexpensive Chinese language brushes encompassing spherical, flat, and filbert shapes affords versatility in wash software, element work, and mixing, increasing creative capabilities with no disproportionate funding. This may be an financial benefit for artwork educators or artists engaged on large-scale initiatives.
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Upkeep and Substitute Prices
The general value of artwork provides consists of not solely the preliminary buy value but additionally the continued bills related to upkeep and alternative. Reasonably priced implements might require extra frequent alternative because of decrease sturdiness, offsetting among the preliminary financial savings. Conversely, higher-priced brushes, if correctly maintained, can present prolonged service life, doubtlessly leading to decrease long-term prices. Artists ought to take into account each the upfront funding and the anticipated upkeep and alternative necessities when assessing the affordability of artwork provides.
The aspects examined reveal the multifaceted nature of affordability. The worth of “finest throughout chinese language brushes for watercolor portray” relies upon considerably on the goal consumer and their price range. Some artists might prioritize high quality over value, whereas others might search essentially the most economical choice to apply and develop abilities. Subsequently, an implement’s value level should be thought of with its efficiency traits to evaluate its total utility and worth.
Incessantly Requested Questions About Versatile Chinese language Watercolor Brushes
The following questions deal with widespread inquiries concerning the choice, care, and software of multi-purpose watercolor implements of Chinese language origin. These solutions are meant to offer clear and concise steering for artists in search of to optimize their utilization of those instruments.
Query 1: What hair varieties are most conducive to reaching a variety of watercolor methods with a single brush?
Blended hair varieties, particularly combos of goat and wolf (or weasel) hair, typically present essentially the most versatile efficiency. Goat hair affords glorious water retention for washes, whereas wolf hair provides the mandatory spring and snap for element work. This mix goals to steadiness fluid washes and managed line work.
Query 2: How does deal with size affect brush management and total portray consolation?
Deal with size must be proportionate to the scale of the art work and the artist’s most popular working distance. Shorter handles typically present larger management for element work, whereas longer handles can facilitate broader, extra sweeping strokes. A balanced size usually ranges from six to eight inches, accommodating numerous hand sizes and portray kinds.
Query 3: Is it mandatory to buy an intensive set of Chinese language brushes, or can a restricted collection of shapes suffice for many watercolor functions?
A rigorously curated collection of three primary shapes spherical, flat, and filbert can deal with a variety of watercolor methods. A spherical brush is appropriate for element work, a flat brush for washes, and a filbert for mixing and softening edges. This restricted choice could be supplemented as particular creative wants come up.
Query 4: What are the important steps in cleansing Chinese language watercolor brushes to delay their lifespan and preserve their efficiency?
Thorough cleansing after every use is crucial. Brushes must be rinsed with cool water till all traces of pigment are eliminated. Delicate cleaning soap can be utilized to dissolve cussed paint residue. Keep away from harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners. Reshape the comb head and permit it to air dry horizontally or with the bristles pointing downwards.
Query 5: How does water hardness have an effect on the efficiency and longevity of those brushes?
Arduous water, containing excessive mineral content material, can depart deposits on brush hairs, lowering their flexibility and water-holding capability. The usage of distilled or filtered water for portray and cleansing can mitigate these results. Common rinsing with a dilute vinegar resolution may help dissolve mineral buildup.
Query 6: What are the indications {that a} Chinese language watercolor brush wants alternative?
Indicators embody persistent shedding of hairs, a completely distorted brush form, a unfastened or corroded ferrule, or an lack of ability to carry a degree. These indicators recommend that the comb’s structural integrity has been compromised, negatively impacting its efficiency. It’s advisable to switch a brush exhibiting these issues to make sure constant outcomes.
In abstract, knowledgeable choice, diligent care, and correct utilization of those implements are essential for realizing their full potential. Understanding these issues promotes each creative expression and the longevity of those beneficial portray instruments.
The following part will deal with the subject of choosing particular brush units primarily based on artist talent stage and portray type.
Maximizing the Potential of Versatile Chinese language Watercolor Brushes
This part affords a collection of suggestions designed to optimize using multi-purpose Chinese language brushes in watercolor portray. Adherence to those tips enhances creative management and ensures constant, high-quality outcomes.
Tip 1: Grasp the “Charging” Method: Correct saturation of the comb with water and pigment is important. Immerse the comb totally, then gently blot extra moisture on a clear material or paper towel. This ensures managed pigment launch and prevents uncontrolled blooms on the paper.
Tip 2: Rotate Brushes Throughout Wash Utility: When laying down expansive washes, rotate the comb periodically to distribute put on evenly throughout the filaments. This prevents the formation of a dominant edge and promotes constant pigment deposition.
Tip 3: Make the most of a Palette Knife for Paint Mixing: Keep away from utilizing brush to combine paint on the palette. Make use of a palette knife for mixing to protect the comb hair’s integrity and forestall the buildup of dried paint on the ferrule base.
Tip 4: Exploit the Brush’s Stomach for Gradations: For clean tonal gradations, use the comb’s stomach (the widest a part of the hair bundle) to use even strain throughout the paper floor. Steadily raise the comb whereas sustaining contact with the paper to create a seamless transition from darkish to mild.
Tip 5: Follow Managed Lifting Strategies: To raise extra pigment or create highlights, use a clear, damp brush to softly blot the realm. Keep away from extreme scrubbing, which may injury the paper floor and warp brush hairs.
Tip 6: Think about Brush Orientation for Line Variation: Various brush orientation, strain, and stroke velocity permits various linework. Making use of the comb at completely different angles permits for skinny, managed strains and broad, expressive strokes. Experimentation on scrap paper yields an understanding of the implement’s capabilities.
Tip 7: Storing brushes pointing downward: Forestall water injury by storing the software downward. The glue won’t loss it adherence and save your brush in an extended interval.
Tip 8: Use brush cleaner typically: Brushes accumulate dried pigment and will trigger the software to be destroyed if it does not clear typically. You’ll be able to all the time save the brushes after use by cleansing with brush cleaner.
Adherence to those methods enhances management, promotes longevity, and will increase its software throughout numerous portray kinds.
The ultimate part presents a abstract and shutting remarks.
Conclusion
The previous discourse has underscored important attributes of watercolor portray implements, specifically, these originating from China. The analysis encompassed hair sort, water retention, form versatility, level sharpness, resilience, deal with consolation, measurement vary, sturdiness, and affordability. These collectively decide the suitability of the instruments for complete watercolor software. A radical evaluation of those elements facilitates knowledgeable decision-making.
The choice and acceptable utilization of implements stay elementary to reaching nuanced creative expression in watercolor. Continued exploration and knowledgeable choice primarily based on particular person wants foster creative progress. The way forward for creative exploration depends on discerning decisions, knowledgeable apply, and an appreciation for these instruments and their intrinsic capabilities. Additional dedication to such knowledgeable software ensures the enduring high quality and innovation of the creative medium.
