Special Subjects: Get Started Painting

OIL LESSON 1

Seascape with Caroline Zimmermann

A thin layer applied to the support as a base color, an underpainting influences any color painted over it. Artists usually underpaint with hues similar to the color of their subject, but you can achieve incredible results by doing just the opposite! For this tropical seascape, begin by covering the canvas with oranges and reds to contrast with the blues, greens, and grays of nature. The subtle radiance of these undercolors intensifies the subsequent layers of paint!

WHAT YOU NEED

BRUSHES:

• small flat brush

• medium flat brush

OIL COLORS:

• alizarin crimson • cadmium yellow light • cadmium yellow medium • dioxazine purple • Indian yellow • lemon yellow • magenta • phthalo blue • phthalo green • ...