plate no. 7240

Last Supper

oil, canvasRealismreligious paintingfigurestableroomreligious scenelightshadow

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use chiaroscuro to create dramatic lighting and how to depict figures in a dimly lit environment. It also provides practice in rendering textures and folds in fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a toned canvas with a dark underpainting (burnt umber or similar).
step 02
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 03
Establish the main light source and block in the areas of light and shadow with broad strokes.
step 04
Begin refining the figures, starting with the faces and hands, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the table, including the objects on it and the texture of the cloth.
step 06
Work on the background, keeping it dark and indistinct to emphasize the figures in the foreground.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the shadows.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark areas. Use raw sienna and titanium white for the highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones and fabrics.

techniques