Question

In the rectangle of 25 x 22 cm on a given drawing sheet, paint a village scene. Paint a village girl moving towards her home carrying a bundle on her head, a hut and cow grazing grass, and some birds flying in the sky. Use watercolour or pastel colour for painting. While painting, keep the following points in mind:
Correct structure and perspective
Composition
Use of proper colours
General effect and attraction

Hint:

Ensure to blend your colours well, use light washes for watercolours, and soft strokes for pastels to create smooth transitions in the scene.

Answer 1

Steps of Construction: Step 1: Preparing the Canvas and Layout

- Begin by drawing a rectangle with the given dimensions of 25 cm (width) and 22 cm (height) on your drawing sheet. This rectangle will act as the boundary for your painting.
- Lightly sketch the main elements of the scene in the rectangle, such as the village girl, hut, cow, birds, and any other objects. Ensure they are positioned proportionally and are balanced within the given space.
Step 2: Drawing the Village Girl and Hut

- Draw the village girl in the centre, ensuring she is depicted in a natural walking pose, carrying a bundle on her head. Focus on accurate body proportions and clothing details that reflect a typical village girl.
- Draw the hut in the background, with a thatched roof, simple walls, and a door. The hut should be slightly angled to give a sense of perspective. Place it slightly to the side to maintain balance in the composition.
Step 3: Adding the Cow and Birds

- Draw the cow grazing near the base of the scene, with its head lowered to the grass. Add details like the cow's legs, ears, and tail to make it look realistic.
- Add some birds flying in the sky above the village scene. Ensure the birds are scattered to add movement, and make sure they are small and light in comparison to the village girl and other elements.
Step 4: Colouring the Scene

- Colouring the Village Girl: Use natural colours for the village girl’s clothing. You can use earth tones like brown, beige, or faded red. Make sure to use lighter shades for the highlights and darker shades for the shaded regions to give her depth and dimension.
- Colouring the Hut: Use brown or yellow tones for the hut's walls and roof. The roof can have darker shades to give texture, and the grass around the hut can be painted in shades of green to create a natural setting.
- Colouring the Cow: Use light brown or white for the cow, adding darker tones for the legs, ears, and spots. The grass under the cow can be painted in varying shades of green.
- Colouring the Sky and Birds: For the sky, use a gradient of soft blues to simulate the atmosphere. Use light grey or white for the birds to make them stand out against the sky. Add a touch of yellow or orange near the horizon for a warm effect.
- Use of Watercolour or Pastel: Since you are using either watercolour or pastel, remember to blend your colours well for a smooth transition between light and shadow. For watercolours, use gentle washes and build layers for depth. For pastels, use soft blending techniques for smooth transitions between colours.
Step 5: Adding Details and Final Touches

- Add finer details such as facial features on the village girl, texture to the hut’s roof, and shadows for depth and realism.
- Pay special attention to the lighting and how it affects the colour placement. Areas in direct sunlight should have lighter colours, while shaded areas should have darker tones.
- Ensure the composition flows naturally, with the village girl being the focal point, and the hut, cow, and birds supporting the overall scene.
Concepts to Keep in Mind:
(a) Correct Structure and Perspective:

- Ensure that the proportions of the figures (village girl, hut, cow, birds) are accurate. The perspective should create a sense of depth, with elements in the background appearing smaller than those in the foreground.
(b) Composition:

- Balance is key in composition. Position the elements in a way that guides the viewer's eye naturally across the painting. The village girl should be the main focal point, with other elements such as the cow and birds adding to the story without overcrowding the scene.
(c) Use of Proper Colours:

- Select natural, earthy colours for the village setting to reflect the rural environment. Make sure the colours complement each other, with harmonious tones for the sky, grass, and animals. Ensure the lighting (whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening) is consistent throughout the painting.
(d) General Effect and Attraction:

- The overall effect should be peaceful, reflecting the serenity of rural life. The composition, colours, and lighting should work together to evoke a sense of calm and attraction. Keep the scene balanced and pleasant to the eye.