The Underpainting

The old masters did an  underpainting.  They painted in all of the shadows first and then painted directly over it.  On the right, I wrote, “Sometimes what’s underneath is more interesting.” That’s the underpainting, or drawing, that I start off with.  The eyes, nose, and lips are done with a medium tone.  Then I add in the details, the dark tones, and shift among three Sharpies to create a final piece.  This one was striking because of the the shadowy detail around the eyes.  The eyes have it, people.

(reposted from previous blog)