plate no. 4076
Li Yinquan
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in ink wash painting, focusing on controlled brushstrokes and varying line weights to define form. It also introduces the concept of negative space and its importance in composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall figure and composition with a pencil.
- step 02
Mix a diluted black ink wash.
- step 03
Using a fine brush, outline the figure with varying line weights, thicker in areas of shadow and thinner in areas of light.
- step 04
Add subtle washes of ink to the face and hands to create depth and form.
- step 05
Paint the shoes with a solid blue ink.
- step 06
Add details to the face, beard, and walking stick with fine brushstrokes.
- step 07
Carefully add the calligraphy and seal using a fine brush and black ink.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · black ink · white (paper)
secondary · blue ink · flesh tones (light brown/pink)
Vary the dilution of black ink with water to create different shades of gray for the washes. Mix a very small amount of red and yellow with white to create the flesh tones.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·line drawing
- ·varying line weight
- ·dry brush
- ·negative space
common pitfalls
- →Using too much ink and losing the delicate quality of the original.
- →Making the lines too uniform and lacking variation.
- →Overworking the washes and muddying the colors.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · Rice paper
required
- ·Chinese painting brush set (fine and medium)
- ·Black ink stick or bottled black ink
- ·Ink stone or small dish for mixing ink
- ·Rice paper or watercolor paper
- ·Water container
- ·Felt mat or newspaper to protect the surface
- ·Small palette for mixing colors
optional
- ·Chinese painting colors (blue, red, yellow)
- ·Seal paste
Practice brushstrokes and ink washes on scrap paper before starting the final painting. Use a light touch and allow the ink to flow naturally.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor