plate no. 9565

A Magpie on a Maple Branch.

Xu Beihong, 1940

oilRealismanimal paintingbirdmagpiebranchleavesfoliagenature

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice controlled brushstrokes for detail and washes for the background. Students can learn to create depth and form using value variations within a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the bird, branch, and leaves, paying attention to proportions and composition.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted yellow ochre to the entire background.
step 03
Begin painting the bird, starting with the black areas, using varying pressure to create subtle tonal changes.
step 04
Add the white markings on the bird, blending the edges slightly for a soft transition.
step 05
Paint the branch using thin, dark brown lines, varying the thickness for a natural effect.
step 06
Paint the leaves using a mix of yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red, creating variations in color and value.
step 07
Add details to the leaves, such as veins and edges, using a fine brush.
step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · black · white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · red

Mix yellow ochre with burnt sienna for the warmer tones of the leaves. Add a touch of red to some leaves for variation. Use diluted black for the branch.

techniques

·dry brush
·washes
·blending
·line work
·value control

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
→Making the colors too uniform and lacking variation.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the bird and the placement of the leaves.
→Using too much water, which can cause the paint to bleed.