plate no. 1904

Strong Woman and Child

Yasuo Kuniyoshi, 1925

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureschildwomanflagsbuildinginterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing with simplified forms and understanding how to create depth using subtle value changes in a limited color palette. It also provides practice in creating a narrative scene with symbolic elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background elements, paying attention to their relative sizes and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas using thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall tones and values.
step 03
Develop the background, blending colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figures, adding highlights and shadows to define their forms.
step 05
Paint the details of the clothing, flags, and other objects, paying attention to their textures and patterns.
step 06
Add the final touches, such as the facial features and small details that bring the painting to life.
step 07
Glaze with thin layers to unify colors and add depth.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and apply a varnish to protect the surface.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium red light · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · viridian

Achieve skin tones by mixing raw sienna, burnt umber, and white, with small amounts of red or yellow for warmth. The background uses muted browns and grays, achieved by mixing complementary colors.

techniques