I typically start my oil paintings with some sort of monochromatic tonal underpainting, usually in a warm hue. I stain the canvas by darkening the darks, establishing a couple of mid-tones, and wiping out the lightest lights. If my value shifts are correct, the scene “reads” even before I add color. Before I execute the underpainting, I also sketch out thumbnail compositions with contour drawings, greyscale marker sketches, and Notans. I consider the sketching the “ready” and the tonal underpainting the “set”….setting me up for “GO!”
In an effort to keep my work fresh and to inform my oil painting, I have been playing with Acrylics. I have had to come up with plan B for underpainting as Acrylics do not let you wipe them out, due to fast drying time. When I paint with Acrylics outdoors, I wash in a Notan underpainting with Burnt Umber. But in the studio, I really want to get a 4-ish value range to better see the big shapes or “puzzle pieces”.
I decided to try a sort of Grisaille approach, using Burnt Umber tinted with Prussian Blue. I draw in some lines, then begin using various amounts of white to bend the dark color to other values. I have taken this approach before in terms of a value study, but I have never actually painted on top of the Grisaille. The good thing about Acrylics, too, is I can paint over these Grisaille underpaintings with oil if I prefer.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of big shapes and values before considering color. In actuality, I believe that if you struggle with color, it is really a value issue.
I’ve included 3 Grisaille underpainting images here (below), along with the reference images. You can see how this method also lends to simplicity and eliminating fussy detail. Aaaand, I use 1 inch and 2 inch frayed gesso and chip brushes for all my underpaintings for added looseness. Pict below.
I’ll post the finished paintings soon. Stay tuned!
“Color is an inborn gift, but appreciation of value is merely training of the eye, which everyone ought to be able to acquire.” ~John Singer Sargent
Reference image for above underpainting.
Reference image for above underpainting.
Reference image for above underpainting.