1.
original picture; original artwork
The original painting, drawing, or artwork from which reproductions are made.
原画を展示する。
To exhibit original artwork.
美術館で有名な画家の原画を見てきた。
I went to see original works by a famous artist at the museum.
印刷物とは違い、原画には筆のタッチがそのまま残っている。
Unlike printed reproductions, the brushwork remains intact in the original painting.
2.
key animation frame; key drawing
In anime production, the main drawings that define the start and end points of a movement, from which in-between frames are created.
原画を描く。
To draw key animation frames.
アニメの制作では、まず原画マンが動きのポイントとなる絵を描く。
In anime production, the key animator first draws the pictures that define the key points of movement.
原画と原画の間を埋める作業を動画と呼ぶ。
The task of filling in between key frames is called in-betweening.
Composed of 原 (original) + 画 (picture/drawing). Has two distinct domains of use.
SENSE 1 — ART:
The original painting or drawing from which reproductions are made.
- 原画展: original artwork exhibition
- 原画を展示する: to exhibit original artwork
SENSE 2 — ANIME/ANIMATION:
Key frames that define the start and end points of a movement.
- 原画マン: key animator (well-known job title)
- 原画 → 動画: key frames → in-between frames (standard workflow)
- 作画: drawing/animation work (broader term)
RELATED:
- 動画: in-between animation frames; also "video" in modern everyday usage
- 複製: reproduction, copy (contrast with 原画)