plate no. 7733

Yang Guifei Mounting a Horse

oilInk and wash paintinghistory paintingfigureshorseshistorical sceneprocessioncourtclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, creating subtle color washes, and understanding traditional composition techniques. It also provides practice in rendering delicate details and textures with ink or paint.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and horse, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted brown or ochre to the entire surface to create an aged paper effect.
step 03
Begin layering washes of color to define the figures' clothing, starting with the lightest tones.
step 04
Gradually build up darker values to create depth and form, paying attention to shadows and highlights.
step 05
Add details such as facial features, patterns on clothing, and the horse's markings.
step 06
Use fine lines to define outlines and add texture to the figures and objects.
step 07
Paint the red accents and details with a slightly thicker consistency of paint.
step 08
Add the calligraphic inscription and seals in the upper left corner using red ink.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix ivory black and titanium white for varying shades of gray. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the base tone of the aged paper. Mix ultramarine blue with white for the light blue clothing.

techniques

·wash painting
·dry brushing
·line drawing
·layering
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Losing the delicate balance between light and shadow.
→Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper or canvas
·round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4, 6)
·watercolor paints or acrylic paints
·palette
·water container
·soft cloth or paper towels
·pencil
·eraser

optional

·palette knife
·ruler
·masking fluid

Using a slightly textured paper will help to create a more authentic look. Experiment with different dilutions of paint to achieve the desired wash effect.

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