plate no. 7751

Shichirigahama, Soshu

Hasui Kawase, 1930

oilShin-hangalandscapebeachoceanmoonislandsfiguresnight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into manageable shapes and values. It's a good exercise in capturing a sense of place and mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the islands and figures.
step 02
Establish the base colors for the sky, ocean, and sand using diluted washes.
step 03
Layer darker blues and purples in the sky to create depth and cloud formations.
step 04
Add the moon and its reflection on the water, using light yellows and whites.
step 05
Paint the islands and foliage with dark greens and browns, adding small details for the buildings.
step 06
Develop the figures on the beach, paying attention to their silhouettes and clothing patterns.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the sand and foliage to create texture and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Ultramarine blue · Yellow ochre

secondary · Payne's gray · Titanium white · Burnt umber

Mix blues with white to create the various shades of the sky and ocean. Use yellow ochre and white for the moon and its reflection. Mix browns and greens for the islands and foliage.

techniques