plate no. 2384

Three Seated Ladies with Lanterns

oilUkiyo-egenre paintingfigureslanternstea ceremonyinteriorkimonos

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, pattern replication, and understanding color relationships in a limited palette. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and key objects.
step 02
Outline the main shapes of the figures, lanterns, and background elements.
step 03
Begin blocking in the base colors for each area, starting with the largest areas like the kimonos and background.
step 04
Add the patterns on the kimonos and the details on the lanterns, using a fine brush.
step 05
Refine the facial features and hands of the figures, paying attention to subtle shading and highlights.
step 06
Add details to the tea ceremony objects and other small elements.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and harmony in the painting.
step 08
Add any final details and touch-ups.

color palette

primary · red · green · brown · cream

secondary · orange · yellow · black

Achieve the various shades of brown by mixing burnt umber with small amounts of red, yellow, or white. Create the muted greens by mixing green with yellow and a touch of brown.

techniques