plate no. 2164

The Yonne Valley

Balthus, 1957

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapebuildingstreeshillsvillagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through subtle color and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering simplified architectural forms and natural elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings and hills.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and divide the canvas into foreground, middle ground, and background.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the hills and fields with diluted washes of color.
step 04
Add the basic shapes of the buildings, paying attention to their proportions and angles.
step 05
Begin layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, using cooler colors for distant elements.
step 06
Add details to the trees and foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Refine the details of the buildings, including the roofs, windows, and walls.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create contrast and dimension.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · sap green

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques