plate no. 0805
Loquat
Qi Baishi, 1945
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop brush control and learn to use varying ink densities to create depth and form. It also introduces the concept of negative space as an important compositional element.
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 loquats, branch, and leaves.
- step 02
Prepare diluted ink washes of varying strengths.
- step 03
Begin with the branch, using a light wash and varying pressure to create thicker and thinner lines.
- step 04
Paint the loquats with a light yellow wash, leaving some areas lighter to suggest highlights.
- step 05
Add the dark spots to the loquats with a concentrated black ink.
- step 06
Paint the leaves with a darker ink wash, using quick, decisive strokes to create the veins and texture.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
- step 08
Add the red seal with a fine brush.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · black ink · burnt umber
secondary · red
Use water to dilute the black ink to create a range of gray washes. Mix yellow ochre with a touch of burnt umber for the loquat color.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·dry brush
- ·varying ink density
- ·negative space
- ·calligraphic brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too much water and losing control of the ink
- →Creating muddy colors
- →Not leaving enough white space
materials
surface · Watercolor paper
required
- ·Chinese calligraphy brushes (various sizes)
- ·Black ink
- ·Yellow ochre watercolor
- ·Burnt umber watercolor
- ·Red watercolor
- ·Watercolor paper
- ·Water container
- ·Palette
optional
- ·Ink stone
- ·Felt mat
- ·Paperweight
Use absorbent watercolor paper to allow the ink to spread naturally. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying line widths.
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