plate no. 9911

Applying Powder

Torii Kotondo, 1929

oilShin-hangaportraitfigureportraitwomankimonohairhand

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in precise line work, color layering, and rendering smooth skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting fabric patterns and subtle shading.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the outline of the figure, focusing on accurate proportions and pose.
step 02
Block in the background with a flat layer of blue, creating a slightly textured effect.
step 03
Apply a base layer of pale skin tone to the figure, paying attention to the subtle variations in color.
step 04
Begin layering the kimono, starting with the red pattern and then adding the purple and white details.
step 05
Carefully render the hair with solid black, adding subtle highlights to create depth.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add final details such as the small blue accents on the kimono and any subtle shading on the skin.
step 08
Outline the figure and details with fine lines to define the shapes and add crispness.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red light · ivory black

secondary · dioxazine purple · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by blending white with small amounts of red and yellow ochre. Create the background blue by mixing ultramarine with a touch of white. Achieve the purple by combining red and blue.

techniques