Zen painting is a form of meditation. The paintings are created on rice paper so that corrections cannot be made. In this way, the mind has nothing to do while painting. The artist simply paints without thought of correction, creating brush strokes with the feeling of the moment.
Zen painting also honors nature and incorporates emptiness into the art. In landscapes, the canvas is not completely covered (as one typically finds in Western art) because the empty space reflects the sky and air which is all around. Mountains and trees are large, while people are often small. The paintings honor nature as it is.
The perfection of Zen painting is in the feelings it provokes (feelings of peace or joy that can be uplifting and/or reflective). The paintings are real and full of spirit, and often used as a basis for meditation.
Featured image: Two Blind Men on a Bridge by Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768)