plate no. 5831

Little Tatar Girl (Rachiș Ali)

Nicolae Tonitza, 1936

oilOrientalismportraitportraitfigureheadscarfprofilegirl

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in portraiture, focusing on subtle color variations in skin tones and capturing a likeness with simplified forms. Students can learn to blend colors smoothly and create form with light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, neck, and headscarf, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of muted color.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the hair and shadows on the face using a mix of burnt umber and a touch of blue.
step 04
Mix a base skin tone and apply it to the face, neck, and chest.
step 05
Begin layering lighter tones to create highlights on the forehead, nose, and cheekbones.
step 06
Add subtle pinks and reds to the lips and cheeks for warmth.
step 07
Refine the details of the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth.
step 08
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a harmonious and unified image.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white, adding small amounts of red or blue to adjust the warmth or coolness. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques