plate no. 6762
Squirrel and cherries
Qi Baishi, 1944
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the squirrel and cherries, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Mix a light wash of grey/brown ink for the initial layer of the squirrel's body.
- step 03
Add darker washes to define the shadows and contours of the squirrel, building up depth gradually.
- step 04
Use a fine brush to add details like the eyes, whiskers, and claws with crisp, dark lines.
- step 05
Paint the cherries with a vibrant red, using a round brush to create smooth, even shapes.
- step 06
Add stems to the cherries using a fine brush and dark ink.
- step 07
Practice the calligraphy separately and then add it to the upper right corner.
- step 08
Add the red seal with a small square brush.
color palette
primary · black ink · red
secondary · grey · brown
Varying the dilution of black ink with water creates different shades of grey. Mix a warm brown by adding a touch of red to the grey.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·dry brush
- ·line drawing
- ·calligraphy
- ·negative space
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too much water and losing control of the ink
- →Making the composition too crowded
- →Inaccurate proportions of the squirrel
materials
surface · Watercolor paper
required
- ·Chinese calligraphy brushes (various sizes)
- ·Black ink
- ·Red ink
- ·Watercolor paper
- ·Water container
- ·Palette or mixing dish
- ·Felt mat or newspaper to protect the work surface
optional
- ·Ink stone
- ·Brush rest
- ·Weights for paper
Use good quality watercolor paper that can handle multiple washes. Experiment with different types of brushes to find the ones that work best for you.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
