plate no. 6244
Lotus
Lin Fengmian, 1977
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students will learn to simplify complex forms and capture the essence of the subject.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the placement of the lotus flowers and lily pads.
- step 02
Block in the dark background and water areas with a dark mix of blues and greens.
- step 03
Add the lily pads using various shades of green and yellow, focusing on their shapes and placement.
- step 04
Begin painting the lotus flowers with white, using thick brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Add touches of yellow to the centers of the lotus flowers.
- step 06
Introduce subtle variations in the water with hints of blue and green.
- step 07
Refine the details of the lotus flowers and lily pads, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Add final touches to the background and water to create depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · viridian green
secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt umber
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and darken colors with burnt umber. Use white to create highlights and lighten colors.
techniques
- ·impasto
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Making the lotus flowers too uniform and lacking variation.
- →Failing to create depth in the water and background.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·cadmium yellow oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·painting medium
Use good quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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