plate no. 2841

Chinita de El Playón

Armando Reveron, 1927

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanclothingheadhair

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for learning how to create a portrait with minimal detail and expressive brushstrokes. Students can practice simplifying shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and hair.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of neutral color (e.g., raw umber) to the entire canvas as an underpainting.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin tone, hair, and clothing, using thin layers of paint.
step 04
Use short, broken brushstrokes to define the edges of the shapes and create texture.
step 05
Mix a darker tone for the hair and clothing shadows, applying with loose strokes.
step 06
Add subtle highlights to the face and clothing to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, such as the eyes and mouth, with small touches of color.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Add a touch of cadmium red for warmth. Create darker tones by adding ivory black to the primary colors.

techniques