
plate no. 0705
Shitao, 1690
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in ink wash techniques, line control, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also encourages understanding of traditional Chinese landscape painting principles.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the mountains, buildings, and trees.
Dilute black ink to create a light wash and apply it to the sky and distant mountains to establish the background.
Using a slightly darker wash, add details to the mountains and create a sense of depth.
With a medium-strength ink, define the shapes of the buildings and add the roof details.
Use a darker ink to paint the trees, focusing on the branches and foliage with varying brushstrokes.
Add details to the foreground, including rocks and vegetation, using dry brush techniques for texture.
Refine the details and add any necessary shading to create depth and dimension.
Add the calligraphy and seal if desired, or leave as a pure landscape.
color palette
primary · black ink · light grey
secondary · pale blue (for roofs) · warm beige (paper tone)
Achieve different shades of grey by diluting black ink with water. Start with very light washes and gradually build up the darker tones.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · Rice paper
required
optional
Experiment with different types of paper and brushes to find the ones that work best for you. Use good quality ink for best results.
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