plate no. 4640
Dancing Figure (Snow Camellia)
Kaoru Kawano, 1950
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color blocking and creating texture with simple brushstrokes. It also provides an opportunity to practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, including the kimono, veil, and facial features.
- step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of dark green paint.
- step 03
Apply the base color for the kimono, a textured green, using short, directional strokes.
- step 04
Add the black flower shapes to the kimono, paying attention to their placement and form.
- step 05
Paint the veil with a light gray, using a dry brush technique to create a textured effect.
- step 06
Add the red accents to the kimono and collar.
- step 07
Paint the face with a light skin tone, keeping the features simple.
- step 08
Refine the details and edges of the figure and veil.
color palette
primary · dark green · light gray · skin tone
secondary · black · red
The textured green of the kimono can be achieved by mixing green with a touch of black and white, and applying it with short, broken strokes. The light gray of the veil can be created by mixing white with a small amount of black.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brush texture
- ·simplified shapes
- ·directional strokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too many colors
- →Not simplifying the forms enough
- →Ignoring the texture of the veil and kimono
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic paints (dark green, light gray, skin tone, black, red)
- ·Round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·Flat brush (#4)
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
- ·Pencil
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Medium matte
Using a textured canvas can enhance the effect of the dry brush technique. Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use.
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