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home·artworks·Abe-no-Nakamaro Writing Nostalgic Poem While Moon-viewing
Abe-no-Nakamaro Writing Nostalgic Poem While Moon-viewing by Tomioka Tessai

plate no. 9862

Abe-no-Nakamaro Writing Nostalgic Poem While Moon-viewing

Tomioka Tessai, 1918

oilNanga (Bunjinga)landscapemountainsmoonfiguresarchitecturetreeslandscape
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes, creating atmospheric perspective, and using expressive brushstrokes to define forms.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains, buildings, and figures.

  2. step 02

    Apply a thin wash of diluted brown or gray to establish the overall tonal values and atmospheric perspective.

  3. step 03

    Layer washes of green and brown to build up the forms of the mountains and trees, allowing the underlayers to show through.

  4. step 04

    Use a fine brush to add details to the buildings, figures, and foliage, paying attention to the textures and patterns.

  5. step 05

    Add the moon and highlights with white or light-colored paint.

  6. step 06

    Define the edges and contours with darker lines to create contrast and depth.

  7. step 07

    Add the red accents on the buildings and pathways.

  8. step 08

    Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a sense of harmony.

color palette

primary · gray · green · brown · red

secondary · white · blue · black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and diluting the paints with water or a suitable medium. Use white to create lighter values and gray for atmospheric effects.

techniques

  • ·layering washes
  • ·dry brush
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·calligraphic brushstrokes
  • ·glazing

common pitfalls

  • →overworking the details
  • →creating muddy colors
  • →losing the sense of depth
  • →inconsistent brushstrokes

materials

surface · rice paper or watercolor paper

required

  • ·Chinese painting brushes (various sizes)
  • ·Chinese painting inks or watercolors
  • ·rice paper or watercolor paper
  • ·water container
  • ·palette
  • ·felt mat
  • ·weights or clips

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·sealing paste
  • ·seal stone

Use high-quality materials for best results. Experiment with different types of brushes and papers to find what works best for you.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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