plate no. 7748

Tenryu River

Toshi Yoshida, 1942

oilSōsaku hangalandscaperiverboatsmountainsrocksskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color layering and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering varied textures, such as rocks and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, mountains, river, and boats.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light yellow wash, gradually adding subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Paint the distant mountains with diluted blues and purples, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Add the darker green tones for the closer mountains and trees, varying the shades to create depth.
step 05
Paint the river with a mix of blues and greens, reflecting the sky and surrounding foliage.
step 06
Carefully render the boats with their white sails, paying attention to their shapes and reflections.
step 07
Paint the foreground rocks with a variety of browns, grays, and whites, adding texture and detail.
step 08
Add final details, such as the figures in the boats and the small trees along the riverbank.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · viridian green

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · payne's gray

Mix blues and yellows for the greens in the mountains and river. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective. Mix browns and grays for the rocks.

techniques