plate no. 7776

A Dancer of Kyoto

Yamamura Toyonari, 1924

oilSōsaku hangaportraitportraitfigurekimonohair ornamentJapanesedancer

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in precise line work, color blocking, and creating smooth gradations in skin tones and backgrounds. It also offers practice in rendering intricate patterns and details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the outline of the figure, focusing on accurate proportions and the tilt of the head.
step 02
Divide the kimono into sections based on color and pattern.
step 03
Begin filling in the background with a light, even wash of pale gray-blue.
step 04
Block in the large areas of black in the hair and kimono, ensuring smooth, even coverage.
step 05
Paint the skin tones, layering thin washes to build up subtle shading and highlights.
step 06
Add the red and orange details in the kimono and hair ornament, paying attention to the patterns.
step 07
Carefully paint the white cherry blossom details on the kimono, ensuring even spacing.
step 08
Add the final details, such as the small hair ornament and the subtle shading around the face.

color palette

primary · black · white · red · light blue

secondary · orange · yellow-green · gray

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white with a touch of red and yellow. Create the background color by mixing white with a small amount of blue and gray.

techniques

·flat washes
·color blocking
·layering
·fine linework
·pattern rendering

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
→Uneven application of flat washes.
→Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Rushing the details in the kimono pattern.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper
·watercolor paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·water container
·pencil
·eraser
·ruler

optional

·masking fluid
·fine liner pen
·kneaded eraser

Using high-quality watercolor paper will help prevent buckling and allow for smoother washes. Consider using a light box to transfer the initial sketch if needed.

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