plate no. 2721

The Fear of Ghosts

Balthus, 1933

oil, canvasSurrealismgenre paintingfigurewindowbuildingsdresscurtainscityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones and fabrics, and creating depth through layering and perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: background buildings, figure's dress, skin tones, and window frame.
step 03
Begin refining the figure's features and clothing details, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
step 04
Work on the background buildings, adding details like windows and rooflines.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the figure and background.
step 06
Refine the details of the window frame and curtains.
step 07
Add final touches and adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
step 08
Varnish the painting once completely dry.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · viridian · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white, with small amounts of red and blue for subtle variations. Achieve the green dress color by mixing viridian with raw umber and touches of yellow ochre.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·blending
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
→Overly harsh or muddy color mixing.
→Ignoring the subtle shifts in value and color.
→Neglecting the details in the background buildings.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, viridian, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, raw umber)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags