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Cat by Hishida Shunso

plate no. 8074

Cat

Hishida Shunso

oilNihongaanimal paintingcatbranchesflowersanimalfoliage
suitable for beginners

This painting is a good exercise in creating soft gradients and subtle color variations. Students will learn to simplify forms and focus on capturing the essence of the subject.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cat and branches.

  2. step 02

    Apply a thin, diluted wash of light beige/cream for the background.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main areas of white and black on the cat, paying attention to the soft transitions.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the cat's face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

  5. step 05

    Paint the branches with a thin, gray-brown mixture, varying the thickness of the lines.

  6. step 06

    Add small white flowers to the branches, using a fine brush.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details and add subtle shading to create depth.

  8. step 08

    Add the red signature stamp.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · beige

secondary · gray-brown · red

Mix ivory black with white to create various shades of gray. Dilute colors with water or medium to achieve a translucent effect. Use beige as a base for the background and to soften the white fur.

techniques

  • ·dry brushing
  • ·glazing
  • ·soft blending
  • ·line work

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
  • →Using too much paint and creating a heavy, opaque look.
  • →Making the transitions between colors too harsh.
  • →Not paying attention to the proportions of the cat.

materials

surface · watercolor paper or rice paper

required

  • ·watercolor paper or rice paper
  • ·watercolor paints or acrylics
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·palette
  • ·water container
  • ·soft cloth
  • ·pencil
  • ·eraser

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·masking fluid
  • ·ruler

Use high-quality materials for best results. Experiment with different types of paper to find one that suits your style.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

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