plate no. 7801

Evening Scene at Ishiyama Temple

Ito Shinsui, 1917

oilUkiyo-elandscapetemplemoontreesnightlandscapearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand layering techniques to create depth and practice rendering subtle gradations of color to depict a night scene. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the temple structure, the tree, the moon, and the rocks.
step 02
Establish the gradient background by layering blues, starting with the lightest at the top and gradually darkening towards the bottom.
step 03
Paint the moon with a soft, diffused glow, blending the edges.
step 04
Block in the dark shapes of the temple and tree, paying attention to their overall forms.
step 05
Add details to the temple roof and structure, using darker values to create shadows and depth.
step 06
Refine the tree branches and foliage, suggesting texture with subtle variations in tone.
step 07
Add the small stars with tiny dots of white or light blue.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to enhance the overall atmosphere.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Ultramarine Blue · White

secondary · Black · Payne's Gray · Yellow Ochre

Mix different shades of blue by adding white for lighter tones and black or Payne's Gray for darker tones. Use yellow ochre sparingly to create a subtle glow around the moon.

techniques