Service Description

Efrain is an international artist of Mexican origin, now based in Lausanne, where he teaches at Artiloft. He worked for ten years in a painting restoration workshop in Mexico, where he developed an in-depth knowledge of techniques and materials. Portraiture is one of his favorite subjects, and in this workshop, he will introduce you to the essential basics of this art form. This one-day workshop will be dedicated to oil portrait painting from a live model. We will begin with a brief overview of the most common color palettes throughout the history of painting, as well as an introduction to different portrait styles. We will then explore facial proportions through practical exercises led by Efrain. Participants will explore the technique of oil painting with a limited palette, gradually becoming familiar with the nuances of skin tone, the interplay of light and shadow, and the construction of volume. Throughout the day, participants will work directly from a live model, guided by Efrain, who will provide personalized advice. The goal of this workshop is to acquire the essential skills for observing facial proportions, choosing a suitable color palette, and accurately representing skin tones in order to create artwork. Dates: November 15, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (6 hours total) Location: Artiloft Montreux, Avenue des Alpes 104, 1820 Montreux Price: CHF 140 with your own materials or CHF 180 with materials provided. Languages: French Please note that online registration on our website is mandatory due to limited space. Materials: Canvases at least 25 x 30 cm (these can be fabric canvases or sheets for oil or acrylic painting) Brushes: soft and stiff. Natural and synthetic bristles that participants already own. Medium: (Efraín will bring a sample of the medium he usually uses, which he will share with the course participants.) Colors (Bring one of the two tonal options that each person has): • Light yellow • Medium red (can be cadmium) • Rose or quinacridone magenta (or alizarin carmine) • Ultramarine blue (or phthalo) • Raw umber or black ivory Please feel free to contact us by email at info@artiloft.ch if you have any further questions.