A Lady by Ding Yanyong

plate no. 3600

A Lady

Ding Yanyong, 1971

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanhairclothingbackground

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for practicing simplified forms and expressive line work. Students can learn to capture a likeness with minimal detail and bold outlines.

technical profile

palette complexity

2

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 4 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tone, clothing, and background.
step 03
Mix a darker shade of the skin tone for shadows and highlights.
step 04
Use a fine brush to create the red outlines of the face and hands.
step 05
Add the black, wavy lines for the hair and collar.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 07
Add the vertical blue lines in the background.
step 08
Add the signature at the bottom right.

color palette

primary · flesh tone (ochre, red, white) · tan · black

secondary · white · red · blue · yellow

The flesh tone is achieved by mixing ochre, red, and white. The tan color is a mix of ochre, burnt umber, and white. Vary the amounts to create subtle shifts in tone.

techniques

·expressive linework
·simplified shapes
·limited palette
·color blocking
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Making the lines too uniform
→Not capturing the likeness
→Using too many colors

materials

surface · Canvas or heavy painting paper

required

·Canvas or painting paper
·Acrylic or oil paints
·Round brush (small)
·Flat brush (medium)
·Palette
·Water or solvent

optional

·Palette knife
·Easel
·Apron

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.

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