plate no. 1219
Lamp
Qi Baishi, 1944
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop brush control and learn to create depth and form with minimal color and value variations. It also introduces the concept of negative space and its importance in composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the lamp and the insect.
- step 02
Using diluted ink, paint the background wash, leaving the lamp and insect areas relatively untouched.
- step 03
With a thicker ink, paint the main structure of the lamp, focusing on varying the pressure to create thick and thin lines.
- step 04
Add the details of the lamp, such as the top and the base, with controlled brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the insect with delicate brushstrokes, using a slightly diluted ink for the wings.
- step 06
Add the calligraphy using a fine brush and black ink, paying attention to the stroke order and spacing.
- step 07
Add the red seal with a small brush and red ink.
- step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.
color palette
primary · black ink · light brown wash
secondary · red ink · pale pink
Dilute black ink with water to create varying shades of gray and light brown. Use a very small amount of red to create the pale pink.
techniques
- ·sumi-e
- ·ink wash
- ·dry brush
- ·calligraphy
common pitfalls
- →Using too much water, which can cause the ink to bleed uncontrollably.
- →Applying too much pressure on the brush, resulting in thick, uniform lines.
- →Overworking the painting with too many details.
- →Not leaving enough white space, which can make the composition feel cluttered.
materials
surface · rice paper
required
- ·Chinese calligraphy brush (various sizes)
- ·Black ink
- ·Red ink
- ·Rice paper or watercolor paper
- ·Water container
- ·Palette or ink stone
- ·Felt mat or newspaper to protect the work surface
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·paper weight
- ·seal carving
Experiment with different types of rice paper to find one that suits your style. Use a soft brush for delicate details and a stiffer brush for bold strokes.
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