plate no. 7032

Ueno Zoo (Ueno Dobutsuen) from the series Scenes of Last Tokyo

Koshiro Onchi, 1945

oilSōsaku hangagenre paintingparkfigurestreesbuildingfencepath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color blocking and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes. It also encourages experimentation with texture and layering to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: building, trees, figures, and path.
step 02
Establish the base color for the sky and ground using diluted washes.
step 03
Block in the main colors for the building, trees, and figures, focusing on large shapes.
step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and define forms.
step 05
Introduce secondary colors to add depth and variation to the foliage and ground.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures and architectural elements.
step 07
Add final touches, such as highlights and texture, using dry brush techniques.
step 08
Evaluate and adjust colors and values as needed to achieve a cohesive composition.

color palette

primary · ochre · grey · dark green · brown

secondary · light blue · red · white

Mix ochre with brown and white for the building. Use different shades of green by mixing dark green with blue and yellow. Create grey by mixing black and white.

techniques