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.