plate no. 2997

Evening of Ushibori

Hasui Kawase, 1930

woodblock printShin-hangalandscapewatertreesboatskylandscapereeds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. Students will also learn how to create reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the horizon line, trees, boat, and reeds.
step 02
Apply a base layer of dark blue for the sky and water, gradually lightening the tone towards the horizon.
step 03
Add the light band of clouds near the horizon using a pale yellow or cream color.
step 04
Paint the trees using dark blue or black, focusing on their silhouette shape.
step 05
Add the boat and figures using brown and white, paying attention to the reflection in the water.
step 06
Paint the reeds in the foreground using dark green and brown, adding highlights to suggest texture.
step 07
Refine the details of the water, adding subtle variations in color and tone to create a sense of movement.
step 08
Add final touches, such as highlights on the trees and boat, to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Ultramarine blue · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Burnt umber · Payne's gray

Mix Prussian blue and Ultramarine blue with Titanium white to achieve the various shades of blue in the sky and water. Use Yellow ochre and Burnt umber to create the brown tones for the boat and reeds. Payne's gray can be used to darken the blues for the trees and foreground.

techniques

·Layering
·Blending
·Dry brushing
·Creating reflections

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, which can make the painting look cluttered.
→Not paying attention to the values, which can result in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Using too much detail in the reflection, which can distract from the main subject.
→Making the colors too vibrant, which can detract from the overall mood of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 12x16
·Acrylic paints (Prussian blue, Ultramarine blue, Titanium white, Yellow ochre, Burnt umber, Payne's gray)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
·Palette
·Water container
·Paper towels
·Easel