plate no. 4679

Parakeet on Table

Yamamura Toyonari, 1924

oilSōsaku hangaanimal paintingbirdparakeettablevaseflowerspattern

suitable for beginners

This painting helps students practice color mixing to achieve muted tones and learn to simplify complex patterns. Recreating the bird's form will improve observational drawing skills.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the bird, vase, and table.
step 02
Establish the background with a light, even wash of pale blue.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the bird: lavender for the head and chest, green/gray for the wings, and yellow for the underbelly.
step 04
Paint the vase using shades of blue and green, adding highlights with a lighter yellow.
step 05
Add the floral pattern to the table cloth, focusing on the overall arrangement rather than precise detail.
step 06
Refine the bird's features, including the eye, beak, and feet.
step 07
Add subtle shading to create depth and form.
step 08
Touch up any areas as needed to balance the composition.

color palette

primary · lavender · blue-green · gray · yellow

secondary · white · red-orange · dark green · light blue

Mix lavender by combining white, blue, and a touch of red. Achieve the blue-green by mixing blue and green with a touch of yellow. Mute the colors by adding a small amount of their complements.

techniques