plate no. 9393
After the Bath (Tokyo)
Koshiro Onchi, 1946
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice color blocking and layering techniques, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, the background rectangle, and the text.
- step 02
Block in the background with a dark blue, leaving space for the text.
- step 03
Paint the figure's skin tones with a light, neutral color.
- step 04
Add the kimono's base color, a slightly off-white.
- step 05
Paint the blue floral pattern on the kimono, using a consistent shape for each flower.
- step 06
Add details to the face, hair, and hands.
- step 07
Paint the Japanese characters with white.
- step 08
Add final touches and corrections to refine the image.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · pink
Mix the skin tones by combining white, a touch of raw umber, and a hint of pink. Create the dark blue by mixing ultramarine blue with a small amount of black.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·layering
- ·simplified shapes
- ·flat washes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Inconsistent flower shapes
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure
- →Uneven background color
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·tracing paper
Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use. A canvas with a smooth surface will help achieve the flat, graphic look of the original.
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