plate no. 2001

A Chinesa

Anita Malfatti, 1922

oilOrientalismportraitfigureportraitlanternclothingred backgroundornaments

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing for skin tones and fabrics, as well as layering techniques to achieve depth and texture. It also encourages exploration of expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the lantern.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of red paint, varying the tones slightly.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones using a mix of white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue.
step 04
Paint the clothing with broad strokes, using blues and blacks, and indicating the folds and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the lantern, using blues, reds, and yellows to create a sense of light and texture.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the eyes, lips, and eyebrows.
step 07
Add the decorative elements on the clothing and background.
step 08
Apply final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · red · blue · black · white

secondary · yellow · orange · pink

Mix various shades of red by adding white, black, or a touch of blue. Create skin tones by blending white, red, yellow, and a small amount of blue. Achieve depth in the clothing by layering different shades of blue and black.

techniques