plate no. 2581
The Scholar Zhong Kui.
Xu Beihong, 1938
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing expressive brushstrokes and understanding how to create form with limited values. It also encourages simplification of complex subjects.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the scholar, the table, and the demon.
- step 02
Block in the background with a diluted wash of yellow ochre.
- step 03
Using a larger brush, apply the darkest values for the scholar's robe and hat.
- step 04
Add mid-tones to the table and the scholar's face, leaving highlights.
- step 05
Paint the demon figure with a mix of burnt sienna and white, adding details to the face.
- step 06
Add the fruit on the tray, using small dabs of color.
- step 07
Outline key areas with a fine brush and diluted black ink to define shapes.
- step 08
Add the calligraphy and seal in the upper left corner.
color palette
primary · black · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · white · red
Mix black with water for varying shades of gray. Use yellow ochre and white for the background and table. Burnt sienna and white create the skin tone for the demon.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·washes
- ·ink outlining
- ·simplified forms
- ·expressive brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity.
- →Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
- →Not capturing the proportions of the figures correctly.
- →Making the outlines too heavy and unnatural.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·black ink
- ·yellow ochre watercolor
- ·burnt sienna watercolor
- ·white gouache
- ·water container
- ·palette
optional
- ·ruler
- ·masking fluid
- ·kneaded eraser
Use a good quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying line weights.
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