plate no. 1470
In a Long Undergarment (variant)
Torii Kotondo, 1929
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color layering, and creating patterns. It also encourages careful observation of subtle tonal variations in skin and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, kimono, cushion, and background.
- step 03
Begin layering the red kimono, building up depth and suggesting the pattern with subtle variations in tone.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the delicate lines and subtle shading.
- step 05
Add the details of the hair ornaments and the fan.
- step 06
Paint the cushion with its blue color and subtle shading.
- step 07
Adjust the background tone to create a soft and even surface.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · red · black · white · blue
secondary · lavender · pink · cream
Mix various shades of red by adding white, pink, or a touch of black. Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, pink, and a hint of yellow or brown.
techniques
- ·color layering
- ·blending
- ·fine line detail
- ·pattern rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the kimono pattern.
- →Incorrect proportions in the figure.
- →Muddying the colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to capture the delicate expression of the face.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (red, black, white, blue, lavender, pink, cream)
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (small)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·tracing paper
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to allow for fine detail work. Acrylics are recommended for their fast drying time, but oils could also be used.
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