plate no. 2723
Gathering in Mountains
Fu Baoshi, 1956
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in controlling water-based media and creating depth through layering and value variations. It will also teach how to suggest detail with minimal brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic mountain and waterfall structure.
- step 02
Apply a very diluted wash of gray to the entire paper to establish the base tone.
- step 03
Layer progressively darker washes to define the mountain forms and create shadows.
- step 04
Use dry brush techniques with darker ink to add texture to the rocks and trees.
- step 05
Paint the waterfall with thin, controlled strokes, leaving some areas white for highlights.
- step 06
Add details to the trees and foliage with small, varied brushstrokes.
- step 07
Paint the figures and bridge in the foreground with minimal detail.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · black ink · white (of the paper)
secondary · light gray · dark gray
Achieve various shades of gray by diluting black ink with water. Use more water for lighter tones and less for darker tones.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·wash
- ·layering
- ·varying ink density
- ·suggestive brushwork
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too much water and losing control
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing
- →Not establishing a clear value structure
materials
surface · rice paper
required
- ·Chinese calligraphy brush (various sizes)
- ·black ink
- ·rice paper
- ·water container
- ·felt mat
- ·weights or clips
optional
- ·palette
- ·ink stone
- ·seal paste
Use good quality rice paper that can withstand multiple washes. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varied effects.
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