Red Lady by Ding Yanyong

plate no. 7691

Red Lady

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitseatedabstractredinscription

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified form representation and expressive brushwork. It also provides practice in limited color palette painting and creating a focal point through color contrast.

technical profile

palette complexity

2

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

4

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure outline and background shapes lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with dark tones, leaving space for the figure.
step 03
Apply the base red color to the figure, varying the tone slightly for depth.
step 04
Add lighter red and orange tones to the lower part of the figure for a gradient effect.
step 05
Use a thin brush to outline the figure with a light color, defining the edges.
step 06
Paint the inscription and geometric shapes in the background with a light color.
step 07
Add final touches to the background, adjusting values and adding texture.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · red · black · white

secondary · orange · yellow

Mix different shades of red by adding white or black. Create orange by mixing red and yellow. Use white to create the lighter outline.

techniques

·blocking
·dry brushing
·outlining
·color mixing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the figure details.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Losing the simplicity of the composition.
→Making the outline too thick and overpowering.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas
·Acrylic or oil paints (red, black, white, yellow, orange)
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Flat brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
·Odorless mineral spirits or water

optional

·varnish
·easel
·palette paper

Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics are easier for beginners due to faster drying time.

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