plate no. 5078
Fish
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of varying ink densities and brushstrokes to create form and texture. It also demonstrates the expressive potential of a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shape of the fish and the lotus-like shapes.
- step 02
Prepare different dilutions of black ink.
- step 03
Start with the darkest areas of the fish's head and body, using a loaded brush and bold strokes.
- step 04
Gradually add lighter tones to the body, blending edges while the ink is still wet.
- step 05
Paint the lotus-like shapes with a lighter wash, adding darker spots while wet.
- step 06
Use a fine brush to add details like the eye and mouth.
- step 07
Add the flowing lines connecting the shapes with a diluted ink wash.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely, then add the calligraphy and seals (optional).
color palette
primary · black ink · white (of the paper)
secondary · gray (diluted ink)
Achieve different shades of gray by diluting black ink with varying amounts of water. Experiment with the ink-to-water ratio to create a range of values.
techniques
- ·Varying ink density
- ·Wet-on-wet blending
- ·Calligraphic brushstrokes
- ·Dry brush technique (for texture)
common pitfalls
- →Using too much water, resulting in a weak image.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
- →Not achieving enough contrast between the dark and light areas.
- →Hesitating with brushstrokes, leading to a stiff appearance.
materials
surface · Rice paper
required
- ·Chinese calligraphy brush (or round brush)
- ·Black ink
- ·Water
- ·Ink stone (or small dish)
- ·Rice paper (or watercolor paper)
- ·Felt mat (to protect the surface)
- ·Water container
optional
- ·Calligraphy ink
- ·Seals
- ·Seal paste
Practice brushstrokes on scrap paper before painting on the final surface. Use a soft brush to avoid damaging the rice paper.
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