plate no. 6412

桃枝松鼠图

oilInk and wash paintinganimal paintingsquirrelbranchesfruitleavescalligraphyseals

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in controlling ink wash and brushstrokes to create form and texture. Students will learn to simplify complex shapes and capture the essence of the subject with minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the paper with a light tea stain wash to mimic the aged look.
step 02
Lightly sketch the basic composition: branch, squirrel, fruit, and leaves.
step 03
Begin with the darkest areas of the squirrel, using varying pressure for different tones.
step 04
Add details to the squirrel's fur and features with fine, controlled brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the branches and leaves, varying the ink wash to create depth.
step 06
Add the fruit with a lighter wash, leaving some areas untouched for highlights.
step 07
Practice the calligraphy and seal impressions separately before adding them to the final piece.
step 08
Carefully add the calligraphy and seals in red ink, paying attention to placement and balance.

color palette

primary · black ink · light brown (tea stain)

secondary · red (for seals) · white (paper)

Vary the dilution of black ink with water to achieve different shades of gray. Use strong tea to stain the paper.

techniques

·ink wash
·dry brush
·varying ink density
·calligraphy
·seal carving (optional)

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Uneven ink washes
→Incorrect placement of calligraphy and seals
→Using too much water and causing the paper to buckle

materials

surface · Rice paper

required

·Chinese calligraphy brush
·Chinese black ink
·Rice paper (or similar absorbent paper)
·Red ink paste (for seals)
·Water container
·Felt mat (to protect the surface)
·Tea bags

optional

·Seal carving tools
·Seal stone
·Ink stone
·Weights (to flatten the paper)

Experiment with different types of rice paper to find one that suits your style. Practice calligraphy and seal impressions on scrap paper before adding them to the final piece.

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