plate no. 9177
Kansau Shrine in Snow at Lake Tazawa
Hasui Kawase, 1927
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors for atmospheric perspective and creating delicate details with fine lines. It also provides practice in depicting reflections and rendering snow-covered landscapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the shrine, trees, and the shoreline.
- step 02
Establish the base colors for the sky, water, and land, using diluted washes.
- step 03
Layer in darker tones to create depth and shadows in the water and on the land.
- step 04
Paint the shrine with its distinct red-brown color, adding details like the roof and supporting structure.
- step 05
Add the bare trees, using a fine brush to create delicate branches.
- step 06
Depict the snow on the trees and the ground with white paint, using small dabs and strokes.
- step 07
Create the effect of falling snow by adding small white dots throughout the painting.
- step 08
Refine details and add highlights to enhance the overall realism and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · raw umber
Mix cerulean blue with white for the water and sky. Use burnt sienna straight for the building, and mix with raw umber for darker tones. Payne's gray can be used for shadows in the snow and sky.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·fine line detail
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the snow details, making it appear too dense.
- →Failing to create enough contrast between the sky and the water.
- →Making the tree branches too uniform and unnatural.
- →Incorrect proportions in the building structure.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·watercolor paints
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 round brush
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. A smaller brush is essential for the fine details in the trees and snow.
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