How to create an underpainting for portrait painting

Discover the Magic of Underpainting with Burnt Umber in Portrait Painting

Are you looking to elevate your portrait painting skills? Let’s explore a technique that can transform your artwork: underpainting with burnt umber. This method, favored by many professional artists, can add depth and richness to your portraits, creating a solid foundation for your final piece.

Why Burnt Umber?

Burnt umber is a warm, dark brown pigment that’s perfect for underpainting. Its versatility allows artists to establish values and create a tonal base that enhances the overall composition. When used as an underpainting, burnt umber can:

– Create a warm glow that subtly shows through subsequent layers

– Help establish the basic structure and form of the portrait

– Provide a neutral base that complements a wide range of skin tones

The Underpainting Process

1. Start with a clean, primed canvas

2. Thin your burnt umber paint with a medium to create a translucent wash

3. Sketch your subject’s basic features using the thinned paint

4. Build up values, focusing on the darkest areas of the face

5. Use a cloth or paper towel to lift paint for highlights

6. Allow the underpainting to dry completely before adding color

Tips for Success

– Keep your underpainting loose and gestural

– Focus on capturing the essence of light and shadow

– Don’t overwork the underpainting – it’s meant to be a guide

By mastering this technique, you’ll find that your portraits gain a new level of depth and sophistication. Underpainting with burnt umber can be the secret ingredient that takes your art from good to extraordinary.

Ready to try this technique for yourself? Join us at Kate Sparrow Art Studio in the beautiful village of Laàs, France, where you can learn this and many other portrait painting techniques. Our workshops and painting holidays provide the perfect environment to hone your skills and unleash your creativity.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your technique, Kate Sparrow’s expertise and passion for teaching will guide you towards creating stunning portraits. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your art in the inspiring surroundings of Southwest France.

Visit www.katesparrow.com to learn more about our workshops and to book your spot in an upcoming session. Let’s embark on this artistic journey together and unlock the potential of underpainting with burnt umber in your portrait work!