plate no. 5295

Fuji River

Shotei Takahashi, 1930

oilShin-hangalandscapemountainrivertreesskyrockslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand layering techniques to create depth and practice color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone. It also provides a good exercise in simplifying complex shapes into basic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: mountain, river, and foreground elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, creating a gradient towards the horizon.
step 03
Paint the mountain with a base of gray, adding highlights for snow and shadows for depth.
step 04
Add the darker green tones for the lower mountain and the trees in the mid-ground.
step 05
Define the river with varying shades of blue, adding subtle ripples and reflections.
step 06
Paint the rocks in the foreground with grays and browns, adding texture with dry brushing.
step 07
Add details to the trees and foliage on the right side.
step 08
Refine the details and add finishing touches to the sky and water.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Payne's gray

secondary · Sap green · Burnt umber · Pink

Mix different shades of gray by combining white and Payne's gray. Achieve the river's blue by mixing Prussian blue with white and a touch of green. Create the mountain's shadow by adding burnt umber to the gray.

techniques