plate no. 3325
FUJI AND ENOSHIMA THROUGH A ROUND WINDOW
suitable for beginners
This painting offers practice in creating atmospheric perspective and using a limited color palette to convey depth. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the circle, mountain, islands, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the base color for the sky and water with a diluted blue-grey.
- step 03
Add the basic shapes of the islands and mountain with appropriate values.
- step 04
Mix a slightly darker blue-grey and add subtle variations to the water to suggest ripples.
- step 05
Paint the red circle, ensuring even coverage and clean edges.
- step 06
Add details to the islands, such as foliage and rocks, using small brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the mountain's shape and add snow details with white.
- step 08
Add the small bundle of pine needles in the top right.
color palette
primary · red · light blue · grey
secondary · white · dark grey · light yellow
Mix light blue with white and a touch of grey for the sky and water. Use different ratios to create subtle value changes. Mix red with a touch of brown for the circle.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·flat wash
- ·dry brushing
- ·color layering
- ·simplified shapes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details on the islands
- →Making the red circle too bright and overpowering
- →Not creating enough depth in the water
- →Incorrect proportions of the mountain and islands
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (red, light blue, white, grey, brown)
- ·round brush size 2
- ·flat brush size 6
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylics are recommended for faster drying time.
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