 Orellana first studied Fine Art at the experimental Escuela Experimental de Educación Artistica Santiago, Chile.He then continued his studies at the Escuela de Bellas Artes de Viña del Mar and perfectioned his skill with the violin at the Conservatorio de Música within the same school.In 1954, Orellana meets Pablo Neruda, establishing an intense relationship that was to last until the death of the poet.