plate no. 4051

Spring Moon at Ninomiya Beach

Hasui Kawase, 1931

oilShin-hangalandscapemoontreesbeachoceancloudsfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms like trees into stylized shapes. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to define forms.

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 placement of the horizon line, tree, moon, and figure.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, ocean, beach, and tree mass.
step 03
Layer the sky with varying shades of blue, creating a gradient from dark at the top to lighter near the horizon.
step 04
Add the clouds, using light gray and white to suggest their form and volume.
step 05
Paint the ocean with horizontal strokes of varying blues and greens, adding white for the wave crests.
step 06
Define the beach with shades of green and gray, adding subtle variations to suggest the sand's texture.
step 07
Paint the tree, simplifying the branches and leaves into stylized shapes, using dark blues and grays.
step 08
Add the moon and the small figure on the beach as final details.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cerulean blue · Titanium white

secondary · Sap green · Payne's gray · Yellow ochre

Mix different blues with white to achieve the sky gradient. Use green and gray to create the beach color. Darken blues with Payne's gray for the tree.

techniques

·Layering
·Color blending
·Simplification of forms
·Creating gradients
·Negative space

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the tree details.
→Making the sky too uniform in color.
→Not creating enough contrast between the ocean and the beach.
→Losing the overall composition in the details.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Acrylic paints (Prussian blue, Cerulean blue, Titanium white, Sap green, Payne's gray, Yellow ochre)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
·Flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
·Palette
·Water container
·Paper towels

optional

·Palette knife
·Retarder medium
·Easel

Using a limited palette will help achieve the harmonious color scheme of the original painting. Acrylics are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use.

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