plate no. 2492
Shisen-do, Kyoto (B)
Kiyoshi Saito, 1963
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing flat color application and understanding how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes. Students will also learn about creating depth through overlapping forms and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: the building, trees, and pathway.
- step 02
Divide the pathway into steps, paying attention to perspective.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, building, trees, and pathway.
- step 04
Add details to the building, such as the roof and windows.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the trees and add some texture.
- step 06
Add shadows to the pathway and trees to create depth.
- step 07
Add the signature in the bottom right corner.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values.
color palette
primary · gray · brown · dark green
secondary · light green · red
Mix different shades of gray by combining black and white. Achieve the brown by mixing red, yellow, and black. Create variations of green by mixing blue and yellow, adding white or black to adjust the value.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·shape simplification
- ·layering
- ·value shading
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Not paying attention to the perspective of the pathway.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
materials
surface · Canvas panel or smooth wood panel
required
- ·Acrylic paints
- ·Canvas or wood panel
- ·Flat brushes
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
- ·Palette
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Ruler
- ·Tracing paper
Using a smooth surface will help achieve the flat color look. Acrylics are recommended for their fast drying time and ease of use.
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