plate no. 5387

Ghost Diagram

Takato Yamamoto, 2006

oilUkiyo-eillustrationfigureghosthairfoliagerobeportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating subtle value gradations and rendering fine details, particularly in the hair and facial features. It also provides practice in achieving a delicate and ethereal atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hair, and background elements.
step 02
Apply a thin, diluted wash of neutral gray or beige to the entire canvas to create a base tone.
step 03
Build up the background using layers of diluted gray and beige washes, creating a mottled effect.
step 04
Begin adding darker values to the hair, working from the roots outwards and following the flow of the strands.
step 05
Paint the figure's robe with a light beige or off-white, adding subtle shadows to define the folds.
step 06
Carefully render the facial features, paying attention to the delicate lines and subtle shading.
step 07
Add details such as the foliage at the bottom of the painting using fine brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the values and details throughout the painting, ensuring a cohesive and ethereal look.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve the subtle grays and beiges by mixing ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white in varying proportions. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or burnt sienna for warmth.

techniques