
plate no. 0491
Shitao, 1699
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating depth using value and mastering brush control for expressive lines and textures. It also introduces the concept of atmospheric perspective in a limited palette.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, buildings, and trees, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
Dilute ink or watercolor to create a light wash and apply it to the entire paper, establishing the base tone.
Using a slightly darker wash, begin to define the shapes of the mountains, creating shadows and contours.
Add details to the mountains, such as rocks and trees, using a finer brush and darker ink.
Paint the buildings with a medium-dark wash, adding details like roofs and walls.
Create the trees in the foreground using a dark ink and a variety of brushstrokes to represent leaves and branches.
Add details to the foreground, such as rocks and vegetation, using a combination of washes and dry brush techniques.
Allow the painting to dry completely, then add any final touches or corrections.
color palette
primary · black ink · sepia
secondary · raw umber
Vary the dilution of black ink with water to achieve different shades of gray. Sepia can be used to add warmth to the tones.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · watercolor paper or rice paper
required
optional
Experiment with different types of brushes and paper to find what works best for you. Use high-quality ink or watercolor for best results.
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