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home·artworks·14. Temple Gardens in Nippori
14. Temple Gardens in Nippori by Hiroshige

plate no. 9069

14. Temple Gardens in Nippori

Hiroshige, 1857

woodblock printUkiyo-elandscapetreesparkfigureslandscapecherry blossomsbuildings
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and mastering the depiction of atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and forms.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, major tree shapes, and path.

  2. step 02

    Lay in a light wash of the sky color, blending from red-purple at the top to light blue near the horizon.

  3. step 03

    Block in the large areas of green for the grass and hills.

  4. step 04

    Add the darker greens for shadows and depth in the foliage.

  5. step 05

    Paint the cherry blossom trees with a light pink, adding darker pinks and reds for variation.

  6. step 06

    Add the tree trunks and branches with dark brown or black.

  7. step 07

    Paint the figures using simplified shapes and colors.

  8. step 08

    Add final details such as the fence and architectural elements.

color palette

primary · green · pink · blue · red

secondary · brown · black · yellow

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and vary the shades by adding black or white. Achieve the pinks by mixing red and white, and adjust the intensity with more red or white.

techniques

  • ·flat washes
  • ·layering
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·simplified shapes

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Using too many colors
  • →Incorrect proportions of figures
  • →Ignoring atmospheric perspective

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

  • ·watercolor paints or gouache
  • ·watercolor paper
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·palette
  • ·water container
  • ·pencil
  • ·eraser

optional

  • ·masking fluid
  • ·ruler
  • ·color wheel

Use a smooth watercolor paper to achieve the flat washes. Gouache can be used for more opaque colors.

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