Ballet Scene 1905 - 1915

James Ensor made this 'Ballet Scene' using colored pencil. It's not a typical material for fine art, more often found in a child’s art set or a commercial designer’s studio. Ensor applies the colored pencil with a light touch, creating a dreamlike and ethereal quality. The figures are outlined with delicate strokes, while the spaces between them are filled with soft, diffused colors. The layered marks give the impression of movement and energy, and the use of color enhances the fantastical atmosphere of the scene. The work challenges traditional notions of what constitutes 'high' art and highlights the importance of accessible materials in artistic expression, as well as the amount of time and labor involved in the drawing. Ensor's 'Ballet Scene' prompts us to reconsider the value we place on artistic materials and techniques.