plate no. 7760

View of Ama-no-Hashidate

oilInk and wash paintinglandscapemountainswatertreeslandscapebuildingssky

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective using value gradations and varying brushstroke techniques to suggest distance and texture. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, water, and land masses, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the lightest values in the sky and water using diluted ink or light washes.
step 03
Begin layering darker values to define the mountains and landforms, working from the background to the foreground.
step 04
Use dry brush techniques to create texture on the mountains and trees.
step 05
Add details to the buildings and trees, using a fine brush and darker ink.
step 06
Create atmospheric perspective by making distant mountains lighter and less detailed.
step 07
Add small boats to the water to create a sense of scale and movement.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · black ink · gray wash

secondary · sepia

Achieve varying shades of gray by diluting black ink with water. Use more water for lighter values and less for darker values. Sepia can be used to add warmth.

techniques

·dry brush
·atmospheric perspective
·value gradation
·ink wash
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Creating too much contrast and making the painting look harsh.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Not diluting the ink enough, resulting in flat, lifeless values.

materials

surface · Rice paper

required

·Chinese or Japanese calligraphy brushes (various sizes)
·Black ink stick or bottled black ink
·Ink stone or small dish for mixing ink
·Water container
·Rice paper or watercolor paper
·Felt mat or newspaper to protect the work surface

optional

·sepia ink
·palette knife
·ruler

Experiment with different types of rice paper to find one that suits your style. Use a soft brush for smooth washes and a stiffer brush for dry brush effects.

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