plate no. 0670

Ecstasy of Linked Circles

Takato Yamamoto, 2015

oilUkiyo-eillustrationfigureskeletonrosearrowcirclehair

advanced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in detailed linework, rendering complex organic forms, and creating a cohesive composition with multiple elements. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of key elements (circle, figure, skeleton).
step 02
Refine the sketch, adding details to the skeleton, figure's face, and surrounding organic forms.
step 03
Apply a base layer of light, neutral tones to the skeleton and organic matter.
step 04
Build up layers of shading and detail using darker browns and grays, focusing on creating depth and texture.
step 05
Paint the figure's hair and clothing, paying attention to the flow and folds.
step 06
Add the rose and arrow, using reds and greens to create contrast.
step 07
Paint the circles with precise lines and fill in the background with black.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall realism and visual impact.

color palette

primary · ivory · black · burnt umber

secondary · red · gray · gold

Achieve the bone and organic matter colors by mixing ivory with small amounts of burnt umber and black. Use thin washes of red to create subtle variations in the rose and blood details.

techniques