plate no. 7286

Large Landscape with a Tree

Balthus, 1957

oil, canvasExpressionismlandscapelandscapevillagebuildingstreesfigurehills

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in rendering linear perspective and creating a sense of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of buildings, hills, and the tree.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the hills and buildings with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights on the buildings and ground.
step 04
Layer in more details on the buildings, such as windows and roof lines.
step 05
Paint the tree branches, paying attention to their varying thicknesses and directions.
step 06
Add the figure in the foreground, keeping it simple and understated.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix raw umber and white for the buildings and ground. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the roofs and highlights. Add a touch of ultramarine blue to darken shadows.

techniques