plate no. 2280

The Last Supper

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurestablebreaddogjarreligious scene

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create dramatic lighting effects. It will also develop skills in painting figures and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin layer of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and objects with mid-tone colors.
step 04
Start building up the highlights on the figures and drapery, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces and hands, using small brushstrokes.
step 06
Add shadows and deepen the dark areas to create depth and contrast.
step 07
Paint the details of the table, bread, jar, and dogs.
step 08
Add final highlights and glazes to unify the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · Prussian blue

Mix dark browns by combining burnt umber and ivory black. Create highlights by adding titanium white to the primary colors. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna for warm tones.

techniques