plate no. 8798
Cape Kasuga
Unichi Hiratsuka, 1930
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. Students will also learn about creating depth through color and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the landscape, lighthouse, and rocks.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, and land.
- step 03
Add the lighthouse using a light gray, defining its structure.
- step 04
Paint the rocks with their orange and gray tones, adding highlights for dimension.
- step 05
Add details to the land, such as the small patches of vegetation.
- step 06
Refine the sky and sea, adding subtle variations in color.
- step 07
Add the small white clouds and wave highlights.
- step 08
Add final details and touch-ups.
color palette
primary · light green · teal · light gray
secondary · orange · dark gray · white
Mix the teal by combining green and blue with a touch of white. Create the light green by mixing yellow and green with white. Achieve the rock colors by mixing orange with browns and grays.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·shape simplification
common pitfalls
- →overcomplicating the color palette
- →not simplifying shapes enough
- →uneven color application
- →inaccurate proportions
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas or paper
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
Use a smooth canvas or paper to achieve the flat color look. Acrylics are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use.
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