Why must Chinese ink painters plan their images before putting brush to silk or paper?

Chinese ink painters must plan their images beforehand because they work on surfaces—typically silk or absorbent paper—that do not allow for erasure or correction.1

Because the medium is unforgiving, the execution of a painting requires immense confidence, speed, and a mastery of technique that can only be achieved through long practice. The artist must possess a clear intention before applying the brush, as the vitality and expressiveness of the brushwork are the primary focus for both the creator and the viewer. This process is deeply connected to the nature of Chinese painting, where the rhythmic movement of the brush is used to transmit an awareness of the inner life of the subject rather than striving for realistic three-dimensional representation.12