original picture; original artwork
Refers to the original physical or digital artwork, as opposed to reproductions, prints, or copies. Common in art and publishing contexts.
He drew the key frames for that anime.
Original artwork from a famous picture book is on display at this exhibition.
key frame; key animation
In animation, refers to the main drawings that define the start and end of a movement, drawn by senior animators. Contrasts with 動画 (douga, in-between frames).
アニメ制作では、まず原画を描いてから動画を追加する。
In anime production, key frames are drawn first, and then in-between frames are added.
美術館で漫画家の原画が展示されている。
The manga artist's original artwork is on display at the museum.
She was in charge of the key animation for this production.
原画 refers to the key frames drawn by senior animators that define a movement, while 動画 refers to the in-between frames filled in to complete that movement.
原画 is the original artwork or drawing itself, whereas 原作 is the original story or work (e.g., a novel) that a later adaptation is based on.
In animation production, 原画 are the key drawings, while 動画 refers to the in-between drawings that fill in the motion between them.
Used because a 原画 (original drawing/artwork) is counted as a flat sheet of paper, like other flat artworks.
original image
key animator; lead animator
exhibition of original artwork
key animator; lead animator
Compound of 原 (gen, 'original') and 画 (ga, 'picture'). The animation sense is a specialized extension of the basic meaning.