plate no. 4528

Thérèse

Balthus, 1938

oil, cardboardExpressionismportraitportraitfigurechairinteriorclothingtable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric and textures with subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and the placement of the figure within the chair.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the large masses of the background, chair, clothing, and skin.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, using a limited palette and subtle blending to create a sense of form and light.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 05
Work on the clothing, using slightly thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to create texture and dimension.
step 06
Add details to the chair and background, using a muted color palette to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the edges and details throughout the painting, making sure to maintain a sense of unity and harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, raw umber, and a touch of cadmium red. Achieve the green-grey background by mixing raw umber, ivory black, and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques

·blending
·layering
·scumbling
·glazing
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or lifeless appearance.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, disrupting the overall harmony of the painting.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in value and color that create a sense of depth and form.