Preparing Foundation Layers on the Artwork (Initial Coat)

Stainin' that Canvas: Take Your Painting to the Next Level

Hey there, Saturday ko artista! If you're tired of murky colors and undesirable outcomes in your paintings, then fear not! This guide is remedy for your distress. I'll be breaking down a handy technique, underpainting (or as we fondly call it, staining the canvas), and its benefits, tricks, and tips for your palette.

So, strap on your smock, grab your brushes, and let's dive right in!

The Gist and Perks

Staining the canvas? Sounds fancy, right? Technically, it is! We're talkin' about that initial coat of paint slathered across your canvas that gives your artwork that extra oomph. It's also known as underpainting, imprimatura, veneda, verdaccio, morellone, and grisaille. Don't get too caught up in these terms because they're all related and only vary in nuance.

What's so great about staining the canvas?

Kills the white surface, aiding color judgment: Colors appear darker when up against white, providing a balancing act that makes judging colors a piece of cake.
Improves the foundation for darks: Makes it a breeze to lay down those deep darks, especially when using transparent paints.
Builds momentum and warms up hands: A simple but important boost for that initial painting jolt.
Efficient artistry: If your stain complements your overall color theme, you can leave sections exposed for extra flair.

The Technique and Dance

To stain the canvas, I usually employ a big brush for thin washes of color. Oil paints like to be thinned with odorless solvent, although if you're using other mediums, stick to water. Wipe down the surface with paper towels to remove excess paint and smooth things out. Consider using the paper towel for mapping out light shapes.

You could also blast the paint straight from the tube onto the surface and work it around with paper towels and solvent.

The Color(s) of Choice

The colors you use for the stain depend on its purpose in your painting. Generally, there are two options.

Balanced surface for easier color judgment: Stick to earthy colors. Raw umber, burnt sienna, or yellow ochre are my top picks due to their neutral, low-saturation properties.
Part of the overall color theme or design: Choose colors that match your overall color strategy or artwork. For example, a lush green forest could benefit from a rich blue stain (these colors play nicely together).

Pro Tip: Don't go overboard with spicy, saturated colors like any of the cadmiums—they can mess with your color judgment. However, I've seen some artists pull off fantastic results with vivid stains.

Wet on Wet or Let it Dry?

Typically, I wait for the stained surface to dry before moving forward to ensure no pesky color mixing occurs. However, there are times when I dive right in and make magic happen with the wet-on-wet method. Use this technique when the stain's color plays into the overall color theme, and the potential color mixing might just blow your mind.

The Optional Extra

Staining the canvas isn't mandatory for every painting. As you gain experience, you may find that junkin' the white canvas proves more than sufficient. However, staining can offer a nice starting point and boost momentum when you're unsure where to start or if it fits your overall strategy and theme.

A Scoop on Staining in Other Mediums

Staining the canvas is mostly an oil painting technique, but it can work for most other wet mediums. Acrylics, watercolors, and gouache also join the fun!

The Learning Path

Curious about taking your painting skills to new heights? Consider checking out the Painting Academy course and join the throng of 100,000 artists who've amplified their art game.

The Wrap

There you have it—stainin' that canvas like a pro! Enjoy the newfound harmony that staining the canvas brings to your artwork, and remember, every piece of art is a reflection of yourself. Happy painting, painting warrior!

-Dan ScottDraw Paint Academy

P.S. Hungry for more knowledge? Delve into the Dan Scott universe and uncover tip-fueled goodness!

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If you're intrigued by this technique, don't hesitate to learn more about Coral Red and the Power of Painting Pastels, or discover how to transform your Mistakes into Masterpieces!

[1] Dan Scott's Painting Academy is the source of all this wisdom (https://drawpaintacademy.com).

[2] For beginners looking to create a neutral and balanced foundation for painting, select earth tones such as raw sienna, burnt sienna, raw umber, or burnt umber. To get started with the staining process, thin your chosen earth color with a medium (e.g., water for acrylics or turpentine for oils), then evenly apply the mixture across the canvas using a large brush or rag. Allow the canvas to dry completely before diving into your painting project.

In the realm of oil paintings, consider experimenting with landscape paintings that have undergone a stylish transformation with a fashion-forward twist, blending an earthy oil painting technique known as underpainting or imprimatura with contemporary lifestyle elements.
When crafting home-and-garden themed oil painting pieces using underpainting, experiment with various color schemes that complement your overall design, drawing inspiration from fashion-and-beauty trends to create a cohesive and visually appealing piece.