plate no. 3270
Combing in the Bath
Torii Kotondo, 1929
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly in capturing subtle tonal variations in skin and hair. It also provides practice in creating a serene and balanced composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light blue wash, creating a subtle texture.
- step 03
Begin layering the skin tones, focusing on the subtle shadows and highlights.
- step 04
Paint the hair with a dark, glossy black, paying attention to the flow and volume.
- step 05
Add the details of the comb, using a light yellow or gold color.
- step 06
Refine the contours of the figure and add any final details.
- step 07
Add the green texture on the ground.
- step 08
Add the text and stamp.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix white with small amounts of blue and red to achieve the subtle skin tones. Use black straight from the tube for the hair, adding a touch of blue for depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones and losing the subtle variations.
- →Making the hair too flat and lifeless.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure.
- →Not capturing the subtle texture of the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·soft cloth
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will help achieve the desired blended finish.
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