plate no. 0245
Supper at Emmaus
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro and rendering figures in low light conditions. It also provides practice in depicting textures of fabrics and reflective surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and objects.
- step 02
Establish the darkest values first, focusing on the background and shadows.
- step 03
Block in the main colors for each figure and object, paying attention to local color.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter values to create form and dimension.
- step 05
Refine the details of the faces and hands, focusing on accurate proportions.
- step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of light and reflection.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Achieve the dark, rich tones by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use white to create highlights and lighter values. Mix red and yellow ochre to create warm flesh tones.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the sense of light and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a toned ground to establish a mid-tone value.
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