plate no. 8315

Big Landscape with Cow

Balthus, 1958

oil, canvasExpressionismlandscapelandscapetreesbuildingsskyfigurecow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques to create depth and learn how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and colors. It also provides an opportunity to explore expressive brushwork and capture a mood rather than precise detail.

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 of the buildings, trees, and horizon line using a diluted color.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light blue, allowing some canvas to show through.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the field and buildings, focusing on overall tone rather than detail.
step 04
Add the darker tones of the trees, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Introduce the figure and cow, simplifying their forms and using a limited palette.
step 06
Layer additional colors and textures to the field and trees, building depth and interest.
step 07
Refine the shapes of the buildings and add subtle details.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · sky blue · raw umber · titanium white · raw sienna

secondary · burnt sienna · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Mix the field colors by blending raw umber, raw sienna, and yellow ochre. Use white to lighten the sky and buildings. Create grays by mixing payne's gray with white and a touch of burnt sienna.

techniques