plate no. 0645

Magu

Fujishima Takeji, 1937

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraittraditional clothingheaddressofferingAsian

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex details into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, headwear, and offering.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue, varying the tone slightly.
step 03
Establish the main skin tones using a mix of browns, reds, and yellows, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Paint the red and black clothing, focusing on the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add the details of the headdress, simplifying the intricate patterns.
step 06
Paint the offering in the bowl, using yellows, oranges, and browns to create a sense of texture.
step 07
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, adjusting values as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium yellow light

Mix skin tones using burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and white. Achieve the reds by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt umber. Darken colors with ivory black and lighten with titanium white.

techniques