plate no. 2327
Sacred Grove
Toshi Yoshida, 1941
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the shrine.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, trees, ground, and building.
- step 03
Begin layering darker values to define the shapes of the trees and create shadows.
- step 04
Add lighter values to create highlights and give the trees a sense of volume.
- step 05
Paint the details of the shrine, paying attention to the perspective and proportions.
- step 06
Refine the details of the foliage and ground, adding texture and variation.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the trees and shrine.
- step 08
Review and adjust colors and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Payne's gray · Yellow ochre
secondary · Burnt umber · Titanium white · Sap green
Mix Prussian blue and Payne's gray for the darker blues of the trees. Add yellow ochre to the blues and grays for the greens of the foliage. Use white to create lighter values and highlights.
techniques
- ·Layering
- ·Color mixing
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Glazing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating muddy colors
- →Ignoring the perspective of the shrine
- →Failing to create a sense of depth
- →Using too much white
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Easel
- ·Reference photo print
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics can be substituted with oils.
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