plate no. 6448

Cherry Blossom by the Gate

Toshi Yoshida, 1951

paperSōsaku hangalandscapetreesbuildingskyfiguresgategarden

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and mastering the technique of rendering fine details, such as the blossoms and branches.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the building, trees, and figures.
step 02
Apply a light wash of pink to the sky area.
step 03
Block in the dark shapes of the trees and building with diluted dark green and blue.
step 04
Add the trunk and branches of the cherry tree using a thin brush and brown/black ink or paint.
step 05
Paint the roof and walls of the building, using a mix of brown, gray, and white.
step 06
Add the figures in the doorway with small details.
step 07
Layer the cherry blossoms using light pink and white, paying attention to their delicate form.
step 08
Add final details and refine the edges of the shapes.

color palette

primary · pink · green · brown · gray

secondary · white · blue · red

Mix pink by combining white with a touch of red. Create muted greens by mixing green with brown or gray. Achieve the sky color with diluted pink and a hint of blue.

techniques