plate no. 6661

The Salt Dragon

oilUkiyo-egenre paintingfiguredragonvasemountaintextstool

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in rendering detailed patterns and textures, as well as creating a sense of depth through layering and color variation. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes for easier replication.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, dragon, vases, and background elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Outline the key details, such as facial features, clothing folds, and dragon scales.
step 03
Apply a base layer of color to each area, starting with the lightest tones.
step 04
Build up the colors gradually, adding shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Paint the patterns on the clothing and vases, paying attention to accuracy and detail.
step 06
Refine the details of the dragon, adding texture and definition to its scales.
step 07
Add the text elements and background details, such as the mountain and clouds.
step 08
Apply final touches and adjustments to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · blue · green · red-orange · gray

secondary · white · yellow · brown

Mix shades of blue by combining a base blue with white for lighter tones and black for darker tones. Achieve the red-orange hue by mixing red and yellow with a touch of brown.

techniques