plate no. 7176
Ink Bamboo
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare the surface with a light yellow wash and let dry.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the basic structure of the bamboo stalks and leaves.
- step 03
Mix a light brown ink wash.
- step 04
Using a fine brush, paint the bamboo stalks with varying pressure to create thickness and thinness.
- step 05
Mix a darker brown ink wash.
- step 06
Paint the leaves using quick, decisive strokes, varying the pressure to create different shapes and values.
- step 07
Add details to the stalks and leaves with a very dark ink wash.
- step 08
Add the red seals in the bottom left and right corners.
color palette
primary · light yellow · brown ink
secondary · dark brown ink
Achieve different shades of brown by diluting the ink with water. Use more water for lighter shades and less water for darker shades.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·ink wash
- ·varying brush pressure
- ·negative space
- ·calligraphic brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
- →Making the ink wash too uniform, resulting in a flat, lifeless image.
- →Not varying the pressure of the brush, creating monotonous lines.
- →Ignoring the importance of negative space, resulting in a cluttered composition.
materials
surface · rice paper or watercolor paper
required
- ·Rice paper or watercolor paper
- ·Chinese ink or brown watercolor
- ·Chinese calligraphy brushes or fine round brushes
- ·Water
- ·Palette or mixing dish
- ·Light yellow watercolor or ink
- ·Soft cloth or paper towels
- ·Small detail brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·spray bottle for water
Experiment with different types of paper and brushes to achieve different effects. Use high-quality ink for the best results.
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