plate no. 8816

Full Moon at Fugato Island

Hasui Kawase, 1933

oilShin-hangalandscapemoonwatertreesislandsboatclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand layering techniques to create depth and atmospheric perspective. It will also improve their ability to depict reflections and subtle gradations of color in water and sky.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, islands, and the position of the moon.
step 02
Apply a base layer of light blue to the sky and water, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Layer darker blues and purples in the sky to create the cloud formations, leaving lighter areas around the moon.
step 04
Paint the islands and trees using dark blues and blacks, paying attention to the silhouette shapes.
step 05
Add reflections in the water using lighter blues and whites, mirroring the shapes of the islands and trees.
step 06
Create the moon's glow by blending white and light blue around the moon's circle.
step 07
Paint the boat and figures with dark tones, adding a subtle reflection in the water.
step 08
Refine details and add highlights to the trees and rocks to enhance the texture.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cerulean blue · Titanium white

secondary · Payne's gray · Ultramarine blue

Mix different shades of blue by adding white for lighter tones and Payne's gray or Ultramarine blue for darker tones. Use white sparingly to create the moon's glow and reflections.

techniques