plate no. 1471

Lotus and Bird

oilExpressionismanimal paintingbirdlotusflowerswaterfoliagenature

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop brush control for expressive strokes and learn to simplify complex forms into essential shapes and values. It also encourages experimentation with layering and blending techniques to create depth and texture.

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 lotus flowers, bird, and stems.
step 02
Apply a diluted wash of black or dark brown ink/watercolor for the background, allowing it to bleed and create soft edges.
step 03
Paint the lotus petals with a mix of red, orange, and brown, using varying brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 04
Add the white of the bird, using dry brush strokes to create a textured effect for the feathers.
step 05
Paint the stems and leaves with shades of green and blue, using thin, vertical strokes.
step 06
Add details to the bird's beak and legs with yellow and brown.
step 07
Use a fine brush to add small details like the stamens of the lotus and the bird's eye.
step 08
Add the calligraphic elements last.

color palette

primary · white · red · black

secondary · orange · brown · green

Achieve the lotus flower colors by mixing red with varying amounts of orange and brown. Dilute black ink/watercolor with water to create different shades for the background.

techniques