Underpainting Workshop Lesson #1 - Solvent Style (2:06:08) (Patreon)

Click here to watch how this painting continued in color This workshop consists of a series of step-by-step demonstrations explaining the various aspects of the “underpainting” technique. Students are invited to ask questions and to paint along. In this post you may find all the information, recommended supplies, and references.

Workshop breakdown:

Lesson #1: Solvent Underpainting

Lesson #2: Chalk Putty Underpainting (solvent free!)

Lesson #3: Hybrid Style Underpainting

Lesson #4: Underpainting in Ink (solvent free!)

Lesson #5: Critique, Q&A, and workshop conclusion

References we will be using are attached to this post. The following  list are suggested sizes to work on for each reference:

Vermeer Girl with a Pearl Earring - 8.5”x10” or 4.75”x5.5” or 3.5”x4”

Rembrandt Self Portrait - 8”x9.5” or 4.25”x5”

Velazquez Knitter - 7”x8.5” or 4.5”x5.5”

Fantin-Latour Self-Portrait - 7.5”x9” or 5”x6” or 3.75"x4.5”

Recommended supplies for this workshop:

Oil paint: Burnt Umber (Raw is ok too), any White

Oil Painting Paper (or any ready-to-paint canvas) coated with any Umber as shown here, or any watercolor paper coated with Amber Shellac as shown here

A selection of natural Bristle brushes (sizes 2, 4, and 6 are recommended)

Solvent options: Gamsol or Lavender Spike OilSolvent alternatives: Linseed oil + Calcium Carbonate or Burnt Umber Ink + a selection of nylon brushes (you may also add White Ink to this mix)

Artist Tape

Recommended lessons to watch in preparation: Overview of Fundamental Drawing Concepts & All About Proportion Intro to Painting #1 - How to Start a Painting and Avoid Common Mistakes