plate no. 9939

Retrato de Olga

Rufino Tamayo, 1964

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewatermelonshawltableinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages simplification of form and expressive use of color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, watermelon, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: red for the background, yellow/orange for the shawl, and pink for the watermelon.
step 03
Begin layering colors to create depth and variation within each area, focusing on the subtle shifts in hue and value.
step 04
Add details to the face, paying attention to the simplified forms and expressive lines.
step 05
Refine the shapes and edges of the objects, using visible brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 06
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve a harmonious composition.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and form.
step 08
Let dry and varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · magenta

Achieve the orange/yellow of the shawl by mixing cadmium yellow with burnt sienna and a touch of red. The skin tones are a mix of burnt sienna, white, and a touch of red and yellow. Use ultramarine blue to darken the shadows.

techniques