plate no. 7422

Kiyamachi Street, Kyoto

Asano Takeji, 1951

oilShin-hangacityscapebuildingsstreetwaterfigurestreesnight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for a night scene and understanding atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex architectural details and capture the essence of the scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of buildings, water, and trees.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a base layer of dark blue for the sky.
step 03
Add the building structures using a mix of blues, grays, and reds, paying attention to the perspective.
step 04
Paint the water with reflections, using yellows and blues to create the illusion of light.
step 05
Add figures and other details, such as lanterns and signs.
step 06
Refine the trees, using dark blues and blacks for the branches and foliage.
step 07
Add the final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
step 08
Review and adjust the colors and values to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · red · yellow ochre

secondary · gray · black · white

Mix ultramarine blue with black and a touch of red to create the dark blues of the night sky and shadows. Use yellow ochre mixed with white for the lantern light and reflections in the water. Mix red with a touch of blue to create the building colors.

techniques