plate no. 6256
Kakizaki Bentendo Shrine at Shimoda
Hasui Kawase, 1937
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and mastering the use of value to depict light and shadow. Students will also learn to simplify complex shapes into basic forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the building, the trees, and the moon.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the water, and the land.
- step 03
Add the darker values for the trees and the shadows on the building and land.
- step 04
Layer lighter blues and greens to the water to create depth and reflections.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the trees and add details to the building.
- step 06
Add the moon and highlight the areas around it to create a glow.
- step 07
Add details to the rocks and stairs.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to values and colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Ultramarine blue · Payne's gray
secondary · Titanium white · Sap green · Burnt umber
Mix blues with white for the sky and water. Use Payne's gray and Burnt umber for the dark areas. Add a touch of green to the water for reflections.
techniques
- ·Color layering
- ·Value shading
- ·Simplifying shapes
- ·Creating atmospheric perspective
- ·Dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Not establishing a clear value structure
- →Using too many colors
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Easel
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time.
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