plate no. 9358
The Last Supper
Hans Holbein the Younger, 1525
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing realistic skin tones and capturing subtle facial expressions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the sky and architectural elements.
- step 03
Roughly define the table and the figures, focusing on proportions and basic forms.
- step 04
Start adding details to the faces, paying attention to light and shadow to create depth.
- step 05
Develop the drapery, using highlights and shadows to indicate folds and volume.
- step 06
Refine the details of the table setting and food.
- step 07
Add final touches to the background and architectural elements.
- step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark blues of Jesus's robe. Mix viridian green with yellow ochre and white for the green drapery.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, viridian green, ivory black)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme.
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