plate no. 8246

Prince Shōtoku killing Moriya no Omuraji for heresy

oilUkiyo-ehistory paintinghorsefigurearmortreeslandscapearcher

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex figures and drapery, as well as understanding color relationships in a limited palette. It also provides an opportunity to practice rendering textures like horse hair and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the horse, the rider, and the background elements.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the horse, rider's clothing, and background.
step 03
Develop the details of the horse's anatomy, paying attention to muscle structure and proportions.
step 04
Add layers of color to the rider's clothing, creating depth and texture.
step 05
Refine the background details, including the trees and any architectural elements.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and dimension.
step 07
Pay attention to the details of the rider's face and expression.
step 08
Add final touches and refine the overall composition.

color palette

primary · brown · red · green · blue

secondary · purple · yellow · white

Mix browns from burnt umber and yellow ochre. Achieve greens by mixing blues and yellows, adjusting ratios for different shades. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques