plate no. 1266
Crabapple Blossoms
Chang Dai-chien, 1965
some experience helpful
This painting is a great exercise in controlling ink wash and brushstrokes to create delicate floral forms. Students will learn to vary pressure and water content to achieve different values and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare your paper and dilute your ink to various shades of gray.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the basic structure of the branches with a soft pencil.
- step 03
Using a fine brush, apply the darkest ink to the main branches, varying the pressure to create thicker and thinner lines.
- step 04
Add leaves using a broader brush, employing different shades of gray for depth.
- step 05
Mix a light pink color and carefully paint the blossoms, using small, controlled strokes.
- step 06
Add details to the blossoms with a darker pink or red.
- step 07
Include the calligraphy and seals, if desired, practicing beforehand.
- step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.
color palette
primary · black ink · light pink
secondary · gray · red
Achieve various shades of gray by diluting black ink with water. Mix a light pink by combining white with a touch of red.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·varying brush pressure
- ·dry brush
- ·controlled strokes
- ·gradation
common pitfalls
- →Using too much water, causing the ink to bleed excessively.
- →Applying too much pressure, resulting in overly dark and heavy lines.
- →Overworking the painting, losing the delicate and spontaneous feel.
- →Inaccurate proportions of branches and blossoms.
materials
surface · Rice paper or watercolor paper
required
- ·Chinese painting brushes (fine and medium)
- ·Black ink
- ·Watercolor paper or rice paper
- ·Water container
- ·Palette or mixing surface
- ·Red watercolor or ink
- ·White watercolor or gouache
optional
- ·Ink stone
- ·Felt mat
- ·Weights for paper
Experiment with different types of paper to see how they affect the ink flow. Use good quality brushes for better control.
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