plate no. 0162

Andre Derain

Balthus, 1936

oil, woodExpressionismportraitfigureportraitrobeinteriordoorwaychair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere with a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, floor, and figures using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the man's robe, paying attention to the vertical stripes and folds.
step 04
Refine the features and skin tones of both figures, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
step 05
Add details to the background elements, such as the doorway and stacked frames.
step 06
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism and depth of the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ivory black · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red to warm up the skin tones and robe colors.

techniques