plate no. 9894

Sinjuhu

Toshi Yoshida, 1938

oilSōsaku hangagenre paintingcityscapestreetfigureslanternsbuildingsnight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as accurately depicting figures in perspective within a complex urban environment. It also provides practice in rendering subtle variations in light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the street and the placement of buildings and figures.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of the dominant blue-gray tone for the sky and background.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings and figures, using simplified color blocks.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, including windows, signs, and architectural features.
step 05
Develop the figures, paying attention to their proportions and clothing.
step 06
Paint the lanterns, focusing on their shape, color, and the light they emit.
step 07
Add final details, such as shadows, highlights, and textures.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · blue-gray · red · yellow

secondary · green · brown · purple

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and black to darken them. The warm glow of the lanterns is achieved by layering yellows and oranges.

techniques