plate no. 4263

Rice-Cake Making

Asano Takeji, 1949

oilShin-hangagenre paintingfiguresfood preparationkitchensmoketraditional clothinginterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into flat shapes and using line work to define forms. It also provides opportunities to practice color mixing to achieve a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: figures, oven, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with flat, even tones, starting with the lightest areas.
step 03
Add darker values to create shadows and define forms, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Use thin lines to outline shapes and add details, such as clothing folds and facial features.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the smoke, using soft edges to create a sense of movement.
step 06
Add details to the oven and the rice cakes, using darker values to create depth.
step 07
Refine the linework and add any final details.
step 08
Add the background details.