plate no. 1180

Village of Plums

Toshi Yoshida, 1951

oilSōsaku hangacityscapevillagetreesmountainsbuildingsskyfigures

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use a limited palette to create a harmonious scene.

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: mountains, buildings, trees, and foreground elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and divide the composition into foreground, middle ground, and background.
step 03
Apply a light wash of blue for the sky and mountains, creating atmospheric perspective by diluting the color for distant areas.
step 04
Paint the buildings with muted browns and grays, paying attention to the roof shapes and their overlapping forms.
step 05
Add the trees and foliage using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, varying the tones to create depth.
step 06
Paint the plum blossoms with white or pale pink, using small, delicate brushstrokes.
step 07
Add details such as figures, windows, and stone walls with fine lines.
step 08
Review and refine the painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Sienna · Titanium White

secondary · Yellow Ochre · Payne's Gray

Mix blue with white for the sky and distant mountains. Combine burnt sienna and prussian blue for the browns of the buildings and trees. Use yellow ochre to add warmth to the greens.

techniques