Underpainting: Can I use more than one color?
Bluejacket, watercolor , 28″ x 20″ 300 lb. cold press Lana
I often get asked about using more than one color in the initial under painting. Questions range from can I do it to how do I do it?
I think it helps if you think of under painting as a process of setting a stage for what is to come. If you take the time to study past and some modern masters you will find many examples of artists who chose all sorts of underlying color schemes to provide a platform for what was to come in the final application of paint. Granted, most early works are either egg tempera or oil paint applications. I think that is one reason my first edition of Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor created such a buzz. In fact, here we are at least 28 years later and the book, now revised, is still popular.
The arrangements of color can run the gamut.
Are you aware that some early painters would often use silver hued paints for under painting some of their grand ladies? Others would develop color schemes that depended upon the use of complementary colors to effect striking contrast. In the watercolor entitled Bluejacket, a combination of colors were alternated. The next three shots will show the underlying structure of color.
Stage 1: The washes are faint. Three colors were used. You can see a combination of Thalo blue, Permanent Magenta and Violet
mingled in varying strengths of intensity. Some areas fade into nothingness while other critical points are fairly bold. Some of the washes were applied directly while the softer areas reveal that a wet into wet approach was used. These first washes help set the stage for what comes later. Keep in mind you are in control, make sure you have a concept or a direction in mind BEFORE you begin. Have a plan, then set out to execute it. The under painting session is the time to set the stage. Make use of wet into wet, direct wash and charging of washes to accomplish your goal. What is charging ? Some may ask. Relax, you don’t need your credit card! Charging consists of dropping a new color into a damp field of color that is already on the paper. With a little practice you will determine the optimum timing for this application. I would caution you to avoid the attempt while the passage is still very wet unless you want your charged color to dilute a great deal. Waiting until the paper is too near dry will also create unwanted effects. Once again practice on scrap paper until you get the hang of it.
Stage 2: If you recall basic color theory then you remember that violet and yellow are complements. Their combined use helps to increase or intensify the effect of one another. Perhaps it could be argued that Permanent Magenta is not violet but it is close and its presence doesn’t deter from the effect. I always try to teach students about the vital difference between pure color theory and the paints with which we work. Pure theory is one thing. Learning to work with the limitations imposed by our finite materials such as paint, is another matter altogether. Take a moment to compare the first two steps. The yellow in this case is M.Graham Gamboge.
Stage 3: At this point a little hint of what is to come reveals itself as you examine the shadow side of the face where a combination of M. Graham Gamboge and American Journey Copper Kettle are combined as a tentative wash to see how the color combination will work. When I am painting faces I choose to develop distinct shapes that depict the architecture of the head I am attempting to capture. Don’t be afraid to use brush strokes in watercolor. Too often watercolor is considered to be pale, pastel and understated. Consider the works of Sargent and Homer. Look at the power they conveyed while using watercolor.
NOW AVAILABLE!
See the watercolor glazing technique in action: A number of years ago I was fortunate to have a wonderful producer named Dan Brennan. He and his team produced a video of my painting technique complete with a final segment that contains a composition and brush tutorial. The original VHS sold thousands of copies. I am delighted to announce that the original master The Antique Shop was found in Dan’s archives and has been remastered in DVD format.
It is now available at http://www.createspace.com/350893
You can also obtain Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor, Volume I, Revised Edition at
Posted on October 4, 2013, in Uncategorized and tagged American Journey watercolors, complementary colors in under painting, John Singer Sargent, Lana coldpress watercolor papernder, M.Graham watercolors, setting the stage, The Antique Shop, watercolor brushstrokes, watercolor glazing techniques, Winslow Homer. Bookmark the permalink. 16 Comments.
Don, you brought Chief Bluejacket to life with your talent and great technique. Nothing is better than the creative process and sharing it with others. Hal
I think that is one of the most important information for me.
And i’m satisfied studying your article. However wanna commentary on some common things, The website style is perfect,
the articles is really great : D. Excellent
task, cheers
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed
reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and definitely will
come back sometime soon. I want to encourage continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon!
If some one wants to be updated with latest technologies afterward he
must be pay a visit this web page and be up to date daily.
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s
the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
It may be your system. So far no complaints from anyone else.
Hi there, this weekend is fastidious in favor
of me, as this occasion i am reading this fantastic informative post here
at my home.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful &
it helped me out much. I hope to give something
back and aid others like you helped me.
I don’t even understand how I ended up here, but I believed this
post used to be good. I don’t recognize who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger in case you are not already.
Cheers!
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing issues with your site.
It appears as though some of the written text in your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This could be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Appreciate it
Hello,
Thanks for the inquiry. I have had one other response similar to yours. However, I note that the message you sent also tends to run off the page.
Therefore it may be something in your computer. I hope my response is of some help.
Simply wish to say your article is as astounding. The clearness to your post is
just great and i can assume you are knowledgeable in this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay up to date
with impending post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please carry on the rewarding work.
Thank you for your kind words. please feel free to follow.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog
posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed
and I hope you write again soon!
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa?
My site addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I
feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you
might be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you!
Awesome blog by the way!
I tried opening your site from the link provided. I had no luck. Send me a link and we can talk.