plate no. 4060

Ishikawa Goemon pulling a painting of himself out of a lidded jar

woodcutUkiyo-eportraitfigureportraitjarinteriorkimonopainting

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in flat color application, pattern replication, and understanding of traditional Japanese art composition. It also provides practice in rendering a stylized portrait.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, jar, and background elements.
step 02
Outline the main shapes with a fine liner.
step 03
Begin filling in the large areas of flat color, starting with the background.
step 04
Carefully paint the kimono pattern, paying attention to the grid structure.
step 05
Add details to the face and hands, using subtle shading.
step 06
Paint the jar and other smaller objects, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Refine the outlines and correct any mistakes.
step 08
Add the final details, such as the text and small patterns.

color palette

primary · red · black · grey · white

secondary · beige · light green · light blue

The grey can be achieved by mixing black and white. The beige can be achieved by mixing yellow, brown, and white. The light green and blue can be achieved by mixing their respective colors with white to create a pastel shade.

techniques

·flat color application
·pattern replication
·fine line work
·stylized portraiture
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
→Uneven application of flat colors.
→Difficulty replicating the kimono pattern.
→Overly detailed shading, which detracts from the flat style.

materials

surface · watercolor paper or smooth drawing paper

required

·Watercolor paper or smooth drawing paper
·Fine liner pens (various sizes)
·Watercolor paints or acrylic paints
·Round brushes (small and medium)
·Palette for mixing paints
·Water container
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·ruler
·light box

Using high-quality paper will prevent the colors from bleeding and ensure a smooth finish. Experiment with different types of fine liner pens to find one that you are comfortable with.

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