plate no. 3365

Amaterasu Ōmikami appearing from the cave

oilUkiyo-emythological paintingmythologyfigurescavedeitysmokeJapanese

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color layering, and creating a sense of depth through value contrast. It also provides an opportunity to study traditional Japanese art techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and cave opening, paying attention to proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: black for the background, yellow/tan for the cave interior, and base colors for the figures' clothing.
step 03
Begin layering colors to create depth and form, starting with the darkest shadows and gradually adding highlights.
step 04
Add details to the figures' faces, hair, and clothing, using fine lines and subtle color variations.
step 05
Paint the smoke/cloud effect with soft, blended strokes of red and pink.
step 06
Define the edges of the cave and figures with darker outlines to create contrast.
step 07
Add any remaining details, such as the patterns on the clothing or the texture of the cave walls.
step 08
Consider adding the text elements for an added challenge.

color palette

primary · black · red · white · yellow

secondary · pink · blue-gray · tan

Mix shades of red with white to create pinks for the smoke. Use yellow and white to create the light tan color of the cave interior. Mix black with a touch of blue to create the dark cave walls.

techniques