plate no. 8742

Rain Paris (A)

Kiyoshi Saito, 1960

oilSōsaku hangagenre paintingrainfiguresbuildingtreecityscapeumbrellas

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning about simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a mood. Students can practice creating texture with short, repetitive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, tree, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the street.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color: the background, the building, and the street.
step 04
Add the darker tones for the tree, figures, and shadows.
step 05
Create the rain texture by applying short, directional strokes in the street and sky areas.
step 06
Add lighter tones to suggest the light reflecting off the umbrellas and the wet street.
step 07
Refine the details of the building, such as the door and steps.
step 08
Add final touches to the figures and umbrellas.

color palette

primary · black · gray · beige

secondary · reddish-brown · white

Mix shades of gray by combining black and white in varying proportions. Use a touch of brown to warm the gray for the street.

techniques

·blocking
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·limited palette
·geometric abstraction

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the details of the building or tree.
→Making the rain texture too uniform or dense.
→Not establishing a clear value contrast between the figures and the background.
→Using too many colors and losing the simplicity of the original.