plate no. 3821
The Big Owl
Kaoru Kawano, 1950
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a striking image. It also provides practice in precise line work and flat color application.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic outline of the owl, focusing on the simplified geometric shapes.
- step 02
Divide the owl into distinct color areas: head, body, wings, and background.
- step 03
Begin by painting the background with a flat, even coat of black.
- step 04
Paint the gold areas on the head and body, ensuring sharp edges.
- step 05
Add the gray areas, carefully following the lines of the original.
- step 06
Paint the white outline and the white circles of the eyes.
- step 07
Add the small black diamond shapes on the body.
- step 08
Refine the edges and details as needed.
color palette
primary · black · gold · gray
secondary · white
The gold can be achieved by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of burnt sienna. The gray can be created by mixing black and white.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·hard-edge painting
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Uneven application of flat colors.
- →Fuzzy or imprecise edges between color areas.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Over-blending or muddying the colors.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas or heavy paper
required
- ·Acrylic paints (black, gold, gray, white)
- ·Canvas or heavy paper
- ·Assorted flat brushes
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Ruler
- ·Tracing paper
- ·Palette knife
Using a matte finish paint will help to emulate the original print.
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