plate no. 4779
The Mediterranean Cat
Balthus, 1949
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create a muted, dreamlike atmosphere and develop skills in depicting surreal, symbolic imagery.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the cat, figure, and key elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, sea, and foreground.
- step 03
Develop the colors of the rainbow, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
- step 04
Paint the cat figure, paying attention to the striped shirt and the details of the cat's face.
- step 05
Add the details of the table setting, including the fish, lobster, and wine bottle.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure in the boat, focusing on the pose and expression.
- step 07
Add the flying fish and lighthouse in the background.
- step 08
Adjust the overall color harmony and add final details.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · sap green · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin glazes to build up color depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to create a cohesive color palette.
- →Ignoring the subtle value shifts.
- →Getting lost in the complexity of the composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to unify the colors.
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