plate no. 1412

Lotus with birds

Huang Yongyu, 1984

oilExpressionismanimal paintinglotusbirdsflowersplantswaternature

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in expressive brushwork and capturing the essence of a subject with minimal detail. Students can learn to create depth and texture using varying brushstrokes and ink washes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the lotus leaves, stems, and birds.
step 02
Apply a diluted wash of black ink for the background and lotus leaves, allowing it to bleed and blend.
step 03
Use darker, bolder strokes to define the edges of the lotus leaves and create shadows.
step 04
Paint the stems with vertical strokes, varying the thickness and darkness of the ink.
step 05
Add the birds using quick, expressive brushstrokes, focusing on their posture and details.
step 06
Introduce the flower petals with white ink, adding touches of green and blue for highlights.
step 07
Add small details like the eyes of the birds and the dots of color in the water.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely, and then add any final touches or corrections.

color palette

primary · black ink · white ink · peach

secondary · green · blue

Achieve the various shades of gray by diluting the black ink with water. Mix small amounts of green and blue into the white ink to create the flower highlights.

techniques