apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Institution of the Eucharist
Institution of the Eucharist by Nicolas Poussin

plate no. 9976

Institution of the Eucharist

Nicolas Poussin, 1640

oil, canvasClassicismreligious paintingfiguresarchitecturereligious scenetablecolumnsrobes
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to achieve realistic skin tones and fabric textures.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and architectural elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.

  3. step 03

    Begin to develop the figures, focusing on accurate anatomy and drapery folds.

  4. step 04

    Gradually build up the details, adding highlights and shadows to create form and volume.

  5. step 05

    Pay close attention to the lighting, using it to create a sense of drama and focus.

  6. step 06

    Refine the colors and values, ensuring that they are harmonious and contribute to the overall mood of the painting.

  7. step 07

    Add final details such as facial features, textures, and highlights.

  8. step 08

    Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create darker shades for shadows. Mix yellow ochre and titanium white for highlights on the robes.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·drapery study
  • ·figure drawing

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions of figures.
  • →Overly harsh or flat lighting.
  • →Lack of subtle color variations.
  • →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color harmony.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Landscape with Shepherds  - The Pont Molle

Landscape with Shepherds - The Pont Molle

Claude Lorrain

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Simon Vouet

Landscape with the Funeral of Phocion

Landscape with the Funeral of Phocion

Nicolas Poussin

Confirmation

Confirmation

Nicolas Poussin

The Baptism of Christ

The Baptism of Christ

Jacques Stella

Landscape with Diogenes

Landscape with Diogenes

Nicolas Poussin

Landscape with Water Mill

Landscape with Water Mill

Claude Lorrain

The pilgrims of Emmaus

The pilgrims of Emmaus

Jacques Stella