plate no. 3187

Landscape

oilNanga (Bunjinga)landscapemountaintreeslandscapebuildingsfigureswater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in ink wash techniques and creating atmospheric perspective. It will also improve their understanding of traditional Chinese landscape composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, trees, and buildings.
step 02
Begin with a very diluted wash of ink to establish the lightest values and the atmospheric perspective in the background.
step 03
Gradually build up darker values in the mountain and foreground trees using multiple layers of diluted ink.
step 04
Use dry brush techniques to add texture to the rocks and tree bark.
step 05
Add details to the buildings and figures with a fine brush and concentrated ink.
step 06
Paint the trees in the foreground with more detail, using varying line weights to create depth.
step 07
Add the birds in the sky with small, precise strokes.
step 08
Carefully add the bridge and the water lines.

color palette

primary · black ink · white (paper)

secondary · light grey washes

Achieve different shades of grey by diluting black ink with varying amounts of water. Use more water for distant elements and less for foreground details.

techniques