plate no. 0779
From Winter in Aizu
Kiyoshi Saito, 1967
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for learning about simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using strong value contrasts to create depth. Students will practice creating flat areas of color and understanding positive and negative space.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a simple line drawing of the main shapes: buildings, snowdrifts, figures, and the mountain.
- step 02
Divide the composition into distinct areas of light, medium, and dark tones.
- step 03
Start by filling in the darkest areas with black or dark gray.
- step 04
Next, apply the medium gray tones to the sky, mountain, and some building details.
- step 05
Leave the snow and foreground areas as the lightest tone (white or off-white).
- step 06
Add details to the trees and building structures with dark lines.
- step 07
Refine the shapes and edges to match the original painting.
- step 08
Add the red stamp in the lower left corner.
color palette
primary · black · white · gray
secondary · brown
Mix shades of gray by combining black and white in varying proportions. A touch of brown can be added to the gray for the buildings.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·positive and negative space
- ·simplification of form
- ·value contrast
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Not achieving enough contrast between light and dark areas.
- →Making the lines too detailed.
- →Uneven application of flat colors.
materials
surface · canvas panel or heavy paper
required
- ·acrylic paint (black, white, gray)
- ·flat brushes
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
- ·ruler
- ·canvas or thick paper
optional
- ·masking tape
- ·palette knife
- ·red paint
Use a limited palette of black, white, and gray to capture the essence of the painting. Consider using acrylics for their opacity and quick drying time.
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