Monday, January 4, 2016

Toning the canvas


January 4, 2016

The first layer of paint (toning the canvas) is so useful in giving a painting the look you want.  I've learned that every artist has a different approach.  Your choice can give harmony to the painting and be a part of the final outcome.  Below I have explained my reasons for choosing a different undertones in each painting. 


 This one started out with an orange/yellow tone.  The reason:  complementary color of blue.  I thought it would add some color vibration to the final painting. 



I chose permanent rose for the toning because I wanted this painting to be all about "pink".  The pink first layer would make the pink look even more pink. 


Here it choice was burnt sienna because I thought it would work with the blackish blue of the sneakers.

Can you tell I used a strong red for the undertone?  I like the way it peeked through against the reds and purples plus the greens.  I let the red show through the edges of the glass, too. 

2 comments:

  1. So do you tone it with acrylic paint or do you use oil as your base? I've seen it done both ways and I am wondering what you do. Nice to see all the examples together! Thank you for sharing!

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  2. Usually I use oil mixed with gamsol. Sorry for taking such a long time, I've neglected my blog

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