plate no. 0333

Mask

Ding Yanyong, 1955

oilExpressionismstill lifemasksculpturestill lifeportraitheadgeometric

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and understand how to use a limited palette to create depth and form. Students will also learn to apply visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.

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 mask and the background elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the red background, the green shadow behind the mask, and the overall tone of the mask itself.
step 03
Begin to define the form of the mask by adding shadows and highlights, paying attention to the planes of the face.
step 04
Use short, visible brushstrokes to build up the texture and create a sense of depth.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of gray and white to capture the nuances of light and shadow on the mask.
step 06
Add the white line drawing on the red background.
step 07
Refine the edges and details of the mask, ensuring accurate representation of the facial features.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the sculpture.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · viridian green

secondary · ivory black · raw umber

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black and raw umber. Achieve the red background by mixing cadmium red with a touch of white to soften the intensity. Create the green shadow by mixing viridian green with white and a touch of black.

techniques