plate no. 2420

Looking thirsty - The Appearance of a Town Geisha, a Bargirl in the Ansei Era

oilUkiyo-eportraitfigureportraitcandlegeishakimonocup

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice accurate color matching and develop skills in rendering flat planes of color with subtle variations. It also provides an opportunity to practice drawing figures and clothing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: background, skin, kimono, and hair.
step 03
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle shading.
step 04
Add the details of the kimono pattern, using a fine brush.
step 05
Paint the candle and candlestick, capturing the light and shadow.
step 06
Add the text boxes and other small details.
step 07
Refine the edges and add any final touches.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · gray · black · red · yellow

secondary · green · pink · white

Mix the skin tone with white, a touch of red, and a hint of yellow. The kimono pattern uses a combination of green and brown. The background is a muted gray.

techniques