plate no. 5530

The Heroine Koman in the play Tanba Yosaku

Yamamura Toyonari, 1926

oilSōsaku hangaportraitfigurekimonomoonlandscapegrassportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color blending to achieve subtle gradients and practice rendering figures in traditional clothing with simplified forms. Students will also learn about creating atmospheric perspective with color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure's pose, the horizon line, and the placement of the moon and grass.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of light beige or cream color to the entire background.
step 03
Create a gradient in the sky using light blue and beige, blending them smoothly to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 04
Paint the moon with a slightly darker shade of blue, adding a subtle highlight to suggest its roundness.
step 05
Block in the figure's kimono with a base color of light orange or coral.
step 06
Add details to the kimono, such as the floral patterns and the obi, using darker shades of red and brown.
step 07
Paint the grass clumps using a mix of green and brown, varying the shades to create depth and texture.
step 08
Add the final details, such as the figure's hair, face, and the thin line she is holding, using fine brushes.

color palette

primary · light blue · light orange · beige

secondary · red · green · brown

Mix light blue with white for the sky and moon. Combine orange and red for the kimono, and green and brown for the grass. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques