plate no. 5562

Portrait of Tao Yuanming

oilInk and wash paintingportraitfigureflowersrocktea potrobelandscape

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in ink wash painting techniques, including controlling value and creating subtle gradations. It also provides practice in depicting figures and drapery with simplified forms.

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 figure, rock, and other elements.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted ink to the entire surface to create a base tone.
step 03
Begin adding darker values to define the contours of the figure and the folds of the robe.
step 04
Use a slightly drier brush to create texture on the rock and the tea pot.
step 05
Add details to the face and hands, paying attention to the expression and gesture.
step 06
Paint the flowers with delicate brushstrokes, using lighter values to create highlights.
step 07
Add the calligraphy and seals in the appropriate locations.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · sepia · ivory black

secondary · raw umber

Varying dilutions of ink are key to achieving the subtle value gradations. Use more water for lighter tones and less water for darker tones.

techniques

·ink wash
·dry brush
·contour drawing
·value shading
·calligraphy

common pitfalls

→Using too much ink at once, resulting in muddy colors.
→Losing the proportions of the figure.
→Overworking the details.
→Not allowing the ink to dry completely between layers.

materials

surface · Rice paper or Xuan paper

required

·Chinese ink stick
·Ink stone
·Chinese calligraphy brushes (various sizes)
·Rice paper or Xuan paper
·Water container
·Felt mat
·Weights or paperweights

optional

·Palette
·Reference image
·Tracing paper

Experiment with different types of rice paper to find one that suits your style. Use a soft brush for delicate details and a stiffer brush for bolder strokes.

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