Here is the underpainting for my new still life. You’ll notice that it’s not my usual monochromatic version! The vase I’ll be painting is bright yellow. I can get a more pure color if I underpaint it in yellow. The finished yellow won’t be this bright. Having burnt sienna under it would have dulled the finished vase a bit. I’ve also used the yellow in the reflected bits of the vase in the mirror and the bowl. For more on underpainting, see Underpainting
Above, you can see the blue glass bowl that I have glazed with pthalo blue. In this case, the underpainting is definitely showing through. This isn’t a problem since the blue is very intense, and the burnt sienna will neutralize it (orange and blue are opposite on the color wheel).
Above, I have started to cover up the underpainting with the first layer of paint. This first layer is simply laid in without too much worry about if the values or colors are right. I also don’t bother with too many details at this point. Until the canvas is covered with paint, I won’t be able to judge values and colors properly. There is no point working on details that would probably need to be changed later.
Above, I’ve almost finished the first layer on the scarf.
Above, I’ve completed the first layer of paint. Now I can really begin to compare and fine tune the values and colors.
Linda Mann Artist 