plate no. 7999

Snow

Torii Kotondo, 1929

oilShin-hangaportraitfigureportraitkimonowindowlandscapesea

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in flat color application, pattern replication, and portraiture with a focus on stylized features. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: figure, kimono, window, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of flat color: black for the kimono, skin tones for the face and hands, and the base colors for the patterned fabric.
step 03
Carefully replicate the geometric patterns on the kimono, paying attention to symmetry and color placement.
step 04
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using subtle shading to create form.
step 05
Paint the background landscape seen through the window, using light washes to suggest snow and distant land.
step 06
Define the window frame with clean, straight lines and a consistent color.
step 07
Add final details, such as the hair ornaments and the folds in the kimono.
step 08
Refine the edges and correct any inaccuracies.

color palette

primary · black · white · red · blue

secondary · purple · green · brown · grey

Mix skin tones by blending white with small amounts of red and yellow. Create the various shades of grey for the background by mixing black and white in different proportions.

techniques