The Mellow Me

[Kimber Scott]

Marvin,

Not meaning to start an under-painting versus ala prima argument - when I spoke of under-painting I should have been more specific to say using a grisaile, or verdaccio, type underpainting. I don't use either of those methods, although, I have been tempted to try to learn them, nor do I paint in a strict ala prima. I generally build dark to lights, thin to thick using a combination of scumbling, glazing and just plain laying on of paint. I'm still learning, so I use whatever works and make discoveries along the way.

When the original poster spoke of working in layers, I immediately thought of the verdaccio and glazing method, whether that is what he meant, or not, and I simply was trying to encourage him to paint.

Thanks for the unfinished Sargent painting! I haven't seen it before and it's quite inspirational - as is all of his work.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Originally Posted by Kimber Scott

When the original poster spoke of working in layers, I immediately thought of the verdaccio and glazing method.

The point I wanted to make was that here are many approaches to underpainting, including the method you yourself employ.

[Kimber Scott]

Point well received! :-)

[Chase Mitchell]

Thanks for the encouragement. I guess the main thing with me is that I've worked with pencils and pens so much that I'm so used to "what's down, is down... no turning back now." So I think opaque from the start. Another big factor is that I'm poor and can't afford canvases and paints. So $1 pencils and $2 pens are my budget.