plate no. 6561

Last Supper

Ilya Repin, 1903

oil, canvasRealismreligious paintingfigurestablecandlesarchitecturereligious sceneinterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a complex scene, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through value and color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber, paying attention to the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures, table, and background, using a limited palette.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, focusing on the faces and hands.
step 05
Add the highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the table setting and the background.
step 07
Create the atmospheric effect by softening edges and adding glazes of color.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Use burnt umber and white to create a range of neutral tones. Mix yellow ochre and white for the highlights on the figures. Use viridian green and burnt umber for the darker areas of the background.

techniques