plate no. 6559
Gaoshi
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop brush control and learn to create depth using varying ink washes. It also provides experience in depicting figures in a traditional style.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
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 placement of the figures and the trees.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted ink to the entire background.
- step 03
Begin adding darker washes to define the trees and figures, building up layers gradually.
- step 04
Use dry brush techniques to create texture in the tree branches and clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and clothing using fine brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the flower with a light yellow wash.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
- step 08
Add the inscription and seal.
color palette
primary · black ink · light brown wash
secondary · yellow
Vary the dilution of black ink with water to achieve different shades of gray for the washes.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·dry brush
- ·line drawing
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the washes and losing the delicate quality
- →Making the lines too heavy and bold
- →Not achieving enough contrast between the foreground and background
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures
materials
surface · rice paper
required
- ·Chinese calligraphy brushes (various sizes)
- ·black ink
- ·rice paper
- ·water container
- ·felt mat
- ·weights or clips
- ·palette or dish for mixing ink
optional
- ·seal paste
- ·seal carving tools
- ·mounting supplies
Use high-quality rice paper that is absorbent but not too fragile. Experiment with different types of brushes to find the ones that work best for you.
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