plate no. 0589

Snow at Nan-endo Temple, Nara

Asano Takeji, 1953

oilShin-hangacityscapetemplesnowtreesfigureslandscapearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as practicing precise linework for architectural details. It also provides an opportunity to study atmospheric perspective and the effects of snow on a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the temple, tree, and figures, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Establish the background by layering light blues and grays to create the snowy sky.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the temple structures, using browns and grays.
step 04
Add details to the temple roofs and architectural elements with darker lines and shadows.
step 05
Paint the tree trunk and branches, adding highlights to simulate snow.
step 06
Paint the figures and umbrellas, using small brushes for detail.
step 07
Add the falling snow using small dots of white paint.
step 08
Refine details and add final touches to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Use small amounts of blue to create cool grays for the snow and shadows. Add yellow ochre to umber for warmer tones in the temple.

techniques