The Cleansing Ritual | Classical Oil Painting Tutorial
- Marion Dutton
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
This June, we explored The Cleansing Ritual, a serene oil study inspired by the quiet beauty of domestic life and the timeless art of everyday moments. Vermeer-esque in mood and lighting, this piece captures that same stillness and dignity found in his interiors, offering the perfect opportunity to dive deep into classical techniques that bring light, texture, and emotion to realism.
Building from the Ground Up
As always, we began with a tonal underpainting, using raw umber & white to map out values, proportions, and light direction. This first stage is where the structure of the painting is born. By focusing on value and composition before colour, we created a solid foundation for all that followed.
Adding Light, Form, and Harmony
Over the following sessions, we worked in layers, allowing each to dry before returning to enrich the tones and textures. The soft folds of the fabric, the gentle fall of light through the window, and the reflective copper tones of the basin all came to life through controlled glazing and subtle blending.
This piece beautifully demonstrates how patience and layering bring realism to life, each brushstroke building on the last to form a luminous, living surface.
The Symbolism Behind the Scene
Beyond technique, The Cleansing Ritual is a study in reflection and calm. It’s about finding rhythm and grace in the simple act of care, much like painting itself. Each layer, each moment spent refining tone or colour, becomes its own form of meditation.
Join the Lesson
This full-length project is now available inside the MazArt Academy, alongside over 500 hours of tutorials and courses that explore classical oil techniques in portraits, pets, still life, and more. Learn the underpainting and layering method at your own pace, or join our live sessions to paint along in real time.
