plate no. 6021
Ryoanji Kyoto
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes and practice creating depth using value and overlapping forms. It's a good exercise in color mixing and creating a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the pathway, focusing on their geometric forms.
- step 02
Outline the tree branches in the background, simplifying their structure.
- step 03
Establish the background color with a light green wash.
- step 04
Begin filling in the buildings with the darkest gray tones, working from back to front.
- step 05
Add the mid-tone grays to the roofs and sides of the buildings, creating subtle value changes.
- step 06
Paint the pathway with a light gray, defining the perspective.
- step 07
Add the dark tree branches over the background, varying their thickness.
- step 08
Refine the details and edges of the buildings and pathway.
color palette
primary · light green · dark gray · light gray
secondary · black · white
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Achieve the light green by mixing a small amount of green with white.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·geometric simplification
- ·value shading
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the tree branches
- →Not simplifying the building shapes enough
- →Using too many colors
- →Creating muddy grays
materials
surface · canvas board
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas board
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
Use a smooth canvas board to achieve the flat color look. Acrylics are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use.
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