plate no. 2033

Tianmu Mountians

Xu Beihong, 1934

oilInk and wash paintinglandscapemountainstreesrocksfigurelandscapemist

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in ink wash techniques, layering values, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting natural forms like trees and rocks with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the mountains, trees, and rock formation.
step 02
Dilute black ink to create a very light wash and apply it to the background mountains to establish atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Gradually build up the values in the mountains using increasingly concentrated ink washes, paying attention to the shapes and textures.
step 04
Paint the trees, starting with the trunks and then adding the foliage using a combination of dry brush and wet-on-wet techniques.
step 05
Define the rock formation with darker ink washes, creating shadows and highlights to give it form.
step 06
Add the figure on the rock, using a small brush and diluted ink.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add any final details, such as subtle variations in the mist and highlights on the trees.

color palette

primary · black ink · white (paper)

secondary · light grey washes

Achieve various shades of grey by diluting black ink with water. Experiment with different ratios to create a range of values.

techniques

·ink wash
·dry brush
·wet-on-wet blending
·atmospheric perspective
·value layering

common pitfalls

→Using ink that is too dark too early in the process.
→Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Not diluting the ink enough for the background washes.

materials

surface · Rice paper

required

·Chinese calligraphy brush (various sizes)
·Black ink
·Water
·Ink stone or palette
·Rice paper or watercolor paper
·Water container
·Felt mat or newspaper (to protect the surface)

optional

·palette knife
·spray bottle
·weights to flatten paper

Experiment with different types of rice paper to find one that suits your style. Use a soft brush for smooth washes and a stiffer brush for dry brush effects.

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