plate no. 6299
Lord's Supper
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict a dimly lit interior scene and how to suggest details with loose brushwork. It also provides practice in painting figures in shadow and creating a sense of atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow, using a limited palette of warm and cool browns.
- step 04
Begin to define the figures, paying attention to their gestures and the way they interact with the light.
- step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the columns and the walls, using small brushstrokes.
- step 06
Introduce subtle color variations to create depth and interest.
- step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of drama.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix warm browns by combining burnt umber with raw sienna and a touch of yellow ochre. Cool browns can be achieved by adding a small amount of ivory black to the warm brown mixture. Use cadmium red light sparingly to add warmth to the highlights.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Using too many colors, which can make the painting look muddy.
- →Not paying enough attention to the proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
A toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) can be helpful for establishing the initial value structure.
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