plate no. 4228
Winter in Aizu (50)
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of negative space and practice creating a limited palette with strong value contrasts. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the tree, the snow-covered roof, and the distant trees.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas: the tree trunk and branches, the building, and the distant trees.
- step 03
Fill in the gray areas of the sky and snow, using a consistent tone.
- step 04
Add the white snow highlights on the tree branches and roof.
- step 05
Carefully paint the small orange fruit on the tree.
- step 06
Add the figure in the background with minimal detail.
- step 07
Refine the edges and shapes, paying attention to the negative space.
- step 08
Add the artist's signature and seal (optional).
color palette
primary · black · white · gray
secondary · orange
Mix different shades of gray by varying the ratio of black to white. Use a clean, bright orange for the fruit.
techniques
- ·flat washes
- ·negative space
- ·simplified forms
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →making the gray tones too dark or muddy
- →inaccurate proportions
- →uneven washes
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper
- ·black watercolor paint
- ·white watercolor paint
- ·orange watercolor paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
- ·palette knife
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Dilute the black paint to achieve different shades of gray.
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