plate no. 9435
Narcissus
Koshiro Onchi, 1940
suitable for beginners
Recreating this image will help students understand the basics of block printing and how to create a balanced composition using a limited color palette. It will also teach them how to simplify complex shapes into basic forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the narcissus, bulb, and roots onto the paper.
- step 02
Outline the main elements with a fine liner, focusing on the characteristic lines of the flowers and bulb.
- step 03
Fill in the background area around the bulb and roots with a solid color, mimicking the block print effect.
- step 04
Add the orange details to the flower centers and the bulb's outline.
- step 05
Create the lines within the bulb with the same orange color.
- step 06
Add the details of the roots.
- step 07
Outline the image with a brown border.
- step 08
Add any final details or corrections.
color palette
primary · beige · dark green · orange
secondary · brown
The dark green is a muted shade, so mix a touch of brown or black into your green. The orange should be a warm, earthy tone.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·line drawing
- ·shape simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated
- →Not maintaining consistent line thickness
materials
surface · drawing paper
required
- ·drawing paper
- ·fine liner pen
- ·acrylic paints (beige, dark green, orange, brown)
- ·flat brushes
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
optional
- ·ruler
- ·palette knife
Use matte acrylic paints to mimic the texture of a block print. A thicker paper stock will prevent the paint from bleeding.
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