plate no. 2641
2007-Tian'anmen-1
Zhang Xiaogang, 2007
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice creating depth through perspective and varying value. It will also allow them to explore texture using dry brush techniques.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the building and the pavement, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue.
- step 03
Apply a base coat of blue to the building, varying the shade slightly to create depth.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the building, such as the roof and windows.
- step 05
Start laying in the pavement stones with varying shades of gray and black, using a dry brush technique for texture.
- step 06
Gradually build up the contrast in the pavement, making the stones closer to the viewer darker.
- step 07
Add the red line detail in the pavement.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · black · white
secondary · gray · red · green
Mix various shades of blue by adding white or black to the cerulean blue. Create grays by mixing black and white in different proportions.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·value shading
- ·linear perspective
- ·color blocking
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective in the pavement.
- →Making the pavement too uniform in color and texture.
- →Not varying the shades of blue enough in the building.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall simplicity of the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·cerulean blue acrylic paint
- ·black acrylic paint
- ·white acrylic paint
- ·round brush
- ·flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium acrylic
Use a canvas size that allows for sufficient detail in the pavement. Acrylic paint is recommended for its fast drying time.
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