plate no. 4536
The Hermit lodge in the middle of the table
Shitao, 1707
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, trees, and building.
- step 02
Begin with the lightest washes for the sky and distant mountains, gradually building up darker values.
- step 03
Use a damp brush to create soft edges and blend the washes together.
- step 04
Paint the trees with varying degrees of darkness, using a drier brush for texture.
- step 05
Add the details of the building, paying attention to the perspective.
- step 06
Use a fine brush to add the figure inside the building.
- step 07
Add the darkest details and outlines to define the shapes.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber
secondary · burnt sienna
Mix ivory black with varying amounts of water to create different shades of gray. Add a touch of raw umber or burnt sienna for warmth.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·dry brush
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·gradation
- ·controlled washes
common pitfalls
- →Using too much water, which can cause the ink to bleed.
- →Making the values too uniform, which can flatten the image.
- →Overworking the details, which can make the painting look stiff.
- →Not allowing the washes to dry completely before adding more layers.
materials
surface · rice paper
required
- ·Chinese ink stick or black watercolor
- ·Chinese painting brushes (various sizes)
- ·Watercolor paper or rice paper
- ·Water container
- ·Palette or mixing dish
- ·Felt mat or towel
- ·Weights or clips to secure the paper
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·spray bottle
Experiment with different types of paper to see how they affect the ink flow. Use a soft brush for smooth washes and a stiffer brush for dry brush effects.
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