plate no. 1600

Girl on Sofa

Yasuo Kuniyoshi, 1925

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresofapearsperfume bottlestill lifeinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating tonal variations with a limited palette and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in depicting light and shadow to create depth and volume.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Establish the background with a mid-tone brown, blending smoothly.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figure and sofa using lighter and darker browns.
step 04
Refine the shapes of the figure and sofa, paying attention to the curves and contours.
step 05
Add the details of the pears and perfume bottle, focusing on their simple forms and shadows.
step 06
Introduce subtle color variations to the figure's skin and clothing.
step 07
Add highlights to the figure, sofa, and objects to enhance the sense of depth.
step 08
Refine the edges and details, ensuring a cohesive and unified composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Achieve the skin tones by mixing raw sienna, burnt umber, and titanium white. Add a touch of cadmium red light for warmth. Create darker shadows by adding ivory black to the brown mixtures.

techniques