plate no. 5419

Chinese Lady

Kanae Yamamoto, 1914

oilSōsaku hangaportraitfigureportraitbalconycityscapefanbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and understanding color layering to create depth and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and background buildings.
step 02
Outline the main elements like the figure's silhouette, the balcony railing, and the architectural details.
step 03
Apply a base layer of color to the background, focusing on the blues and grays.
step 04
Paint the figure's skin tone and clothing with light washes, gradually building up the color.
step 05
Add the darker tones to the figure's hair and dress folds.
step 06
Define the balcony railing with a dark color, paying attention to the decorative details.
step 07
Add the small figures in the background.
step 08
Refine the details and add any finishing touches.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · gray · pink

Mix various shades of blue and gray for the background. Use white to lighten the skin tones and clothing. Mix burnt sienna and white to create the pinkish tones for the chair.

techniques