plate no. 1402

Looking dark - The appearance of a wife during the Meiji era

oilUkiyo-eportraitfigureportraitcandlemirrorkimonointerior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and flat color application, as well as how to create a sense of depth using value contrast and line work. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the placement of objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figure's skin and kimono.
step 03
Add the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 04
Paint the patterns on the kimono, paying attention to the direction of the lines.
step 05
Add the details of the objects in the background, such as the mirror and the candle.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details.
step 07
Add the text and seals.
step 08
Apply a final varnish to protect the painting.

color palette

primary · black · ivory · red · yellow

secondary · blue · grey · brown

Mix various shades of grey by combining black and white. Create skin tones by mixing ivory with small amounts of red and yellow. Achieve the kimono colors by mixing yellow and brown.

techniques