Figures by Ding Yanyong

plate no. 0261

Figures

Ding Yanyong, 1970

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurescharacterstraditional clothingdemonweapon

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop brush control and learn to simplify complex forms into expressive lines and shapes. It also provides practice in using washes and limited color palettes to create mood and character.

technical profile

palette complexity

2

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and positions of the figures.
step 02
Start with the darkest areas, using diluted black ink for the outlines and details.
step 03
Apply light washes of color to the clothing and skin, allowing the ink lines to show through.
step 04
Add details to the faces, focusing on the expressive features.
step 05
Paint the demon's features with bolder colors and thicker lines.
step 06
Add the weapon and bag, paying attention to their shapes and textures.
step 07
Include the small butterfly and the artist's signature.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · black ink · light yellow · light blue

secondary · red · green · brown

Use diluted black ink for washes. Mix light yellow with white for the clothing. Create light blue by diluting blue ink with water.

techniques

·ink wash
·line drawing
·dry brush
·color layering
·simplified forms

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too much color
→Losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes
→Not diluting the ink enough

materials

surface · Rice paper

required

·Chinese ink
·Chinese watercolor paints
·Chinese calligraphy brushes
·Rice paper
·Water container
·Palette
·Felt mat

optional

·Palette knife
·Brush rest
·Paper weights

Use a soft brush for washes and a stiffer brush for details. Experiment with different dilutions of ink to achieve varying values.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor