plate no. 6514

Preparing Her Sash (gray variant)

Torii Kotondo, 1933

oilShin-hangaportraitfigureportraitkimonohairtraditional clothingJapanese

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle skin tones and practice rendering intricate patterns on fabric. It also provides experience in capturing the likeness and posture of a figure.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the outline of the figure, paying attention to proportions and pose.
step 02
Block in the background with a diluted, even layer of the base color.
step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the kimono and obi (sash).
step 04
Begin adding details to the kimono pattern, focusing on the placement and shape of the geometric elements.
step 05
Develop the facial features, using subtle shading to create depth and form.
step 06
Refine the hair, adding highlights and shadows to suggest volume.
step 07
Add details to the obi, including the floral patterns and folds.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious balance.

color palette

primary · ivory · black · red

secondary · pale green · pink · gray

Mix ivory with small amounts of red, yellow, and brown to achieve the skin tones. Use black and gray to create the kimono's base color. Mix red with white and a touch of pink for the obi.

techniques