plate no. 5513
Approaching Yanbian
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes, creating atmospheric perspective, and using varied brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major landforms.
- step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted pink/purple to the sky area.
- step 03
Using diluted inks, begin layering washes for the distant mountains, gradually increasing the ink concentration for closer elements.
- step 04
Create the terraced fields with horizontal brushstrokes, varying the ink density to suggest depth and shadow.
- step 05
Paint the trees in the foreground with bolder, more defined brushstrokes, using a darker ink mixture.
- step 06
Add small figures to the foreground to create a sense of scale and interest.
- step 07
Add details like branches and foliage with fine brushstrokes.
- step 08
Allow each layer to dry partially before adding the next to prevent excessive blending.
color palette
primary · black ink · pink · grey
secondary · green · purple
Achieve the various tones by diluting black ink with water. Mix pink with white and a touch of red. Green can be created by mixing blue and yellow inks.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·varied brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the washes, leading to muddy colors.
- →Making the foreground too dark and overpowering the background.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and distance.
- →Using too much water, causing the paper to buckle.
materials
surface · Watercolor paper or rice paper
required
- ·Chinese ink sticks or liquid ink
- ·Chinese painting brushes (various sizes)
- ·Watercolor paper or rice paper
- ·Water container
- ·Palette or mixing dish
- ·Felt mat or absorbent cloth
- ·Weights or clips to secure paper
optional
- ·Color inks (pink, green, purple)
- ·Palette knife
- ·Spray bottle for water
Experiment with different types of paper to see how they affect the ink flow. Use a soft brush for washes and a stiffer brush for details.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
