plate no. 6768
Dream
Kaoru Kawano, 1950
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create texture and understanding how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages experimentation with mark-making to simulate the woodblock print aesthetic.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hood, and face.
- step 02
Block in the black background, ensuring even coverage.
- step 03
Apply the base coat of red for the hood, leaving space for the face and flowers.
- step 04
Add a second layer of red, creating texture by varying the pressure and direction of the brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the face and hand area with the light beige color, using short, choppy strokes to mimic the texture.
- step 06
Add white for the flowers, using a small brush for detail.
- step 07
Use black to add texture to the red hood and define the edges of the figure.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · red · black · beige
secondary · white
The beige color can be achieved by mixing white with a touch of yellow ochre and burnt umber. The red is a fairly pure red, but can be slightly darkened with a touch of black for shadows.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·simplified shapes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the texture and losing the simplicity of the design.
- →Making the colors too smooth and losing the woodblock print effect.
- →Not simplifying the shapes enough, resulting in a cluttered composition.
- →Using too much paint, obscuring the texture.
materials
surface · canvas panel
required
- ·Canvas or heavy paper
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (red, black, beige, white)
- ·Assorted brushes (small round, medium flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Water or solvent (depending on paint type)
- ·Paper towels
- ·Pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
Using a slightly textured canvas or paper will enhance the dry brush effect. Acrylics will dry faster, allowing for quicker layering.
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