Monday, July 25, 2011

Free-style Landscape


This picture is created using a free-style technique. The near land form was produced using a rolling action of the brush. Key is the non-uniform taking of ink, and a lively rhythmic contact with the paper. This leads to the natural-looking pattern of ink gradation. Then a suitable sculpting using lines and dots fulfills the form suggested by the free brush work. The distant mountains are created using an open brush, i.e., the bristles are deliberately splayed open to provide a multiplicity of tips, which touches the paper to form the natural mountain texture. The tree on the right is also produced using an open brush, using a jabbing action followed by careful shaping with lines and dots.
All that remains is to put in the gazebo/pavilion and boats, carefully; and then a series of color washes to set the overall mood.
The key here is not to make things too clear. Fuzziness is part of the charm.  It allows movement and room for imagination.