Media Handling & Techniques

• Kahlo has used oil paints in a careful and controlled way, to create a highly detailed portrait that is realistic in style.
• There are no obvious brushstrokes, giving the piece a smooth texture.
• On her face and body, Kahlo has used smooth and controlled blending to create subtle tonal transitions, which gives the illusion of shadows and highlights on her skin and shirt, adding to the realism of the piece.
• The fur on both animals has been meticulously painted by layering up many short, fine, linear brushstrokes, which would have taken a long time and a steady hand.