plate no. 3373

Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo

Shotei Takahashi, 1926

oilShin-hangacityscapetemplebridgefigurescityscapenightstars

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand linear perspective and how to create depth using atmospheric perspective. Students will also practice rendering architectural details and simplified figures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective of the bridge and buildings.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the red structures, the blue sky, and the gray ground.
step 03
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the roof tiles and the doors.
step 04
Paint the figures, simplifying their forms and focusing on their silhouettes.
step 05
Create the illusion of depth by lightening the colors of the distant buildings and figures.
step 06
Add the stars in the sky using small dots of white paint.
step 07
Refine the shadows and highlights to create a sense of form and dimension.
step 08
Add final details, such as the bell and the text on the bridge.

color palette

primary · red · blue · gray

secondary · black · white · brown

Mix different shades of red by adding black or white. Create the blue sky by mixing blue with white and a touch of gray. Achieve the gray tones by mixing black and white.

techniques