plate no. 8671

Tomioka Tessai Encountering with Immortal Women

Tomioka Tessai, 1919

oilNanga (Bunjinga)genre paintingmountainstreesfigureslandscapebuildingsdeer

experienced study

This painting offers practice in creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective, as well as capturing the essence of forms with expressive brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes and create a sense of movement and energy.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains, trees, and figures.
step 02
Establish the overall tonal values with diluted washes of neutral colors, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Begin adding details to the mountains and rocks, using varied brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 04
Paint the trees, using darker greens and blacks to define the foliage and branches.
step 05
Add the red fruit to the trees, creating pops of color and visual interest.
step 06
Paint the figures, using simple shapes and colors to capture their forms and gestures.
step 07
Add the waterfall and buildings in the background, using lighter values to create distance.
step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches, such as the deer and the inscriptions.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · sap green · titanium white

secondary · vermilion · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the various shades of gray and brown by mixing black, umber, and white in different proportions. Create the greens by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the intensity with white or umber.

techniques

·dry brush
·wet-on-dry layering
·atmospheric perspective
·calligraphic brushstrokes
·simplified form rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and lifeless painting.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Losing the spontaneity and energy of the original painting.

materials

surface · rice paper

required

·Chinese painting brushes (various sizes)
·Chinese ink sticks or bottled ink
·Chinese watercolor paints or equivalent
·Rice paper or watercolor paper
·Water container
·Palette or mixing tray
·Felt mat or absorbent surface
·Weights or clips to secure the paper

optional

·palette knife
·spray bottle
·seal paste

Experiment with different types of rice paper to find one that suits your style. Use a light touch when applying the paint to avoid damaging the paper.

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