plate no. 6889
Star Observatory in Gyeongju
Unichi Hiratsuka, 1950
suitable for beginners
This painting helps develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using flat color planes to create depth. Students will also practice creating a sense of perspective through layering and color choices.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the tower, tree, mountains, and buildings.
- step 02
Divide the sky into two color zones: green and yellow.
- step 03
Fill in the sky with flat layers of color, blending slightly at the horizon.
- step 04
Paint the mountains with a flat purple/brown color, adding subtle variations for depth.
- step 05
Add the buildings and wall in the midground using green and gray.
- step 06
Paint the tree trunk and branches with a brown color, focusing on the negative space.
- step 07
Add the details of the tower, using a darker gray to define the bricks.
- step 08
Finally, add the moon with a bright yellow.
color palette
primary · yellow · green · brown · gray
secondary · purple
Mix green and yellow to create the gradient in the sky. Mix brown and purple for the mountains. Vary the gray by adding white or black.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·layering
- ·negative space painting
- ·color blocking
common pitfalls
- →over-blending colors
- →making the tower too detailed
- →not simplifying shapes enough
- →uneven color application
materials
surface · canvas board
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas board
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
Use a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process. Consider using a matte medium to reduce the sheen of the acrylic paints.
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