plate no. 9499
Kamisuki (Combing the hair)
Goyo Hashiguchi, 1920
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in precise line work, color layering, and rendering delicate details like hair strands and floral patterns. It also provides practice in capturing the subtle nuances of human expression and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
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
Refine the sketch, paying close attention to the facial features, hand positions, and hair flow.
- step 03
Outline the major shapes with a fine liner, defining the contours of the figure, kimono, and hair.
- step 04
Begin filling in the background with a light, even tone.
- step 05
Apply the base color for the skin, using subtle variations to create depth and form.
- step 06
Paint the kimono with the base blue color, then add the white floral pattern, ensuring consistent spacing and size.
- step 07
Render the hair with varying shades of black, creating highlights and shadows to give it volume and texture.
- step 08
Add final details like the comb, facial features, and any subtle shading to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · black · light blue · white
secondary · flesh tones · light brown
Achieve the light blue by mixing a small amount of blue with white. Flesh tones can be created by mixing white, red, and a touch of yellow. Vary the black with hints of blue or brown for depth.
techniques
- ·line drawing
- ·flat washes
- ·color layering
- ·rendering hair
- ·pattern repetition
common pitfalls
- →Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Uneven application of flat washes.
- →Overworking the details in the hair, resulting in a flat appearance.
- →Inconsistent spacing and size of the floral pattern.
materials
surface · 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 and eraser
optional
- ·ruler
- ·light box
- ·color pencils
Use high-quality paper to prevent bleeding and ensure smooth application of paints. Experiment with different liner sizes to achieve varying line weights.
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