plate no. 3057

Three Beauties: Snow

woodcutUkiyo-egenre paintingfiguresnowdoglanternkimonowinter

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in flat color application, line work, and understanding of traditional Japanese art aesthetics. Students will also learn about composition and how to create a sense of depth using limited color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, dog, lantern, and background.
step 02
Apply a base layer of light gray/beige for the background, leaving space for the snow.
step 03
Paint the figure's kimono in solid black, carefully following the outlines.
step 04
Add the beige/cream color for the inner layers of the kimono and the head covering.
step 05
Paint the dog with a light yellow-brown color, adding subtle shading for definition.
step 06
Add the lantern using black and brown, paying attention to the geometric shapes.
step 07
Add the falling snow using small dots of white paint.
step 08
Outline key areas with fine lines to define shapes and details.

color palette

primary · black · beige · light gray

secondary · brown · white · light yellow

Mix light gray by adding a touch of black to white. Achieve the beige color by mixing white, yellow, and a tiny bit of brown. The light yellow-brown for the dog can be made by mixing yellow, brown, and white.

techniques

·flat color application
·line work
·color layering
·stippling (for snow)
·creating depth with limited color

common pitfalls

→uneven color application
→inaccurate proportions
→overworking the details
→muddying the colors
→losing the simplicity of the original

materials

surface · stretched canvas or wood panel

required

·stretched canvas or wood panel
·acrylic or gouache paints (black, white, beige, brown, light yellow, light gray)
·round brushes (small and medium)
·fine liner brush
·palette
·water container
·paper towels
·pencil

optional

·ruler
·tracing paper
·medium matte

Using a smooth surface will help achieve the flat color look. Acrylic or gouache paints are suitable for beginners due to their ease of use and quick drying time.

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