plate no. 1797
Wang Xizhi Catching The Goose
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in controlling ink wash and creating depth through layering values. It also provides practice in depicting figures and natural forms with expressive brushstrokes.
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 basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, rocks, and trees.
- step 02
Begin with a very diluted wash of ink to establish the lightest values and overall tone.
- step 03
Layer progressively darker washes to define the shapes of the rocks, trees, and figures, allowing each layer to dry partially before applying the next.
- step 04
Use a drier brush with concentrated ink to add details such as branches, leaves, and facial features.
- step 05
Pay attention to the negative space to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Add the darkest accents with a fine brush to define edges and create contrast.
- step 07
Carefully add the calligraphy, if desired, using a fine brush and black ink.
- step 08
Evaluate the overall balance and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · black ink · white (of the paper)
secondary · gray (diluted black ink)
Achieve different shades of gray by diluting black ink with varying amounts of water. Experiment with the ink-to-water ratio to create a range of values.
techniques
- ·ink wash
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·controlled brushstrokes
- ·negative space
common pitfalls
- →Using too much ink at once, resulting in a muddy or flat appearance.
- →Overworking the details, losing the spontaneity and expressiveness of the brushstrokes.
- →Ignoring the negative space, creating a cluttered or unbalanced composition.
- →Not allowing each layer of wash to dry partially before applying the next, leading to bleeding and loss of definition.
materials
surface · Rice paper
required
- ·Chinese ink stick or bottled sumi ink
- ·Chinese calligraphy brushes (various sizes)
- ·Rice paper or watercolor paper
- ·Water container
- ·Felt mat or absorbent cloth
- ·Palette or small dish for ink
- ·Paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·weights to hold down paper
Experiment with different types of rice paper to find one that suits your style. Practice brushstrokes and ink washes on scrap paper before working on the final piece.
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