plate no. 2811
The Last Supper
Alexander Ivanov, 1824
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and limited palette color mixing. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using tonal variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Apply a thin wash of the primary color (ochre/brown) to the entire canvas.
- step 04
Start building up darker tones in the shadows, gradually adding layers to create depth.
- step 05
Use lighter tones to highlight the areas where light hits the figures and objects.
- step 06
Add details to the faces and clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
- step 07
Introduce the secondary color (red) sparingly to highlight key figures.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light
Mix different values of ochre and umber with white to create the various tones. Use red sparingly as an accent color.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Using too much of the secondary color, overpowering the overall tone.
- →Not establishing a clear light source, leading to a confusing composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Yellow ochre oil paint
- ·Raw umber oil paint
- ·Cadmium red light oil paint
- ·Titanium white oil paint
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Palette
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth texture for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas for a head start on the underpainting.
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