plate no. 7913

A Blonde

oilSōsaku hangaportraitportraitfigureflowersheadscarffoliageface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplified portraiture, color blocking, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages experimentation with non-traditional color choices in portraiture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, headscarf, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the background color with a flat brush, creating a textured effect.
step 03
Paint the skin tones using a mix of browns, reds, and whites, simplifying the facial features.
step 04
Apply the yellow, green, and blue stripes to the headscarf, following the contours of the fabric.
step 05
Add the floral elements in the background using bold, simplified shapes and colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, such as the eyes and lips, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Add any final touches or adjustments to the colors and textures.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · yellow · red-brown · dark green

secondary · blue · orange · purple

Mix the skin tones by blending red, brown, and white. Create the background purple by mixing red and blue. Achieve the various greens by mixing yellow and blue.

techniques