Part 05: Creating the Underpainting and First Background Layers

Part 5 of 15 Title:
Creating the Underpainting and First Background Layers

Playlist:
   • Start-to-Finish 15 Part Oil Painting Lesson  

Full Lesson:
https://www.youtube.com/live/TllTFUmJ1as

Length:
4 minutes 37 seconds

In this section, Helen Van Wyk demonstrates the initial stages of her painting process, focusing on creating the underpainting and blocking in the background. She explains how to use an "envelope" to position the subject on the canvas and discusses the importance of capturing the proportions and lights and darks caused by the light source. Helen blends a rich greenish-brown background using burnt umber and sap green and shares tips on how to handle the limitations of oil paint, emphasizing patience and the gradual building of layers. She also highlights her use of a softer hake brush, playfully nicknamed her "poopsy-doo" brush, for achieving smooth transitions in the background.

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