Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post - Staining your canvas . . . what do you use

Richard Budig · 08-05-2005, 08:45 AM

What do you use for staining your canvas before you begin to paint . . . warm colors or cool colors.

I ask because I'm always torn -- not whether to stain -- but what to use.

Chris Saper says in her book that she uses a green earth. Bill Whittaker uses a mix of raw umber and ultramarine blue. John Howard Sanden seems to start on a white, untoned canvas. I've seen Daniel E. Greene use several tones, one being a mix of mostly ivory black and Prussian blue, and the other a warmish raw umber sort of thing.

And, what do you think this does for the way you approach, or do your painting. I mean, I've heard that the initial tone you put on your canvas has "an enormous effect on your portrait," according to Dan Greene.

I would like to hear your thoughts.

08-05-2005, 08:45 AM	#1
Richard Budig Juried Member Joined: Oct 2002 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 260	Staining your canvas . . . what do you use What do you use for staining your canvas before you begin to paint . . . warm colors or cool colors. I ask because I'm always torn -- not whether to stain -- but what to use. Chris Saper says in her book that she uses a green earth. Bill Whittaker uses a mix of raw umber and ultramarine blue. John Howard Sanden seems to start on a white, untoned canvas. I've seen Daniel E. Greene use several tones, one being a mix of mostly ivory black and Prussian blue, and the other a warmish raw umber sort of thing. And, what do you think this does for the way you approach, or do your painting. I mean, I've heard that the initial tone you put on your canvas has "an enormous effect on your portrait," according to Dan Greene. I would like to hear your thoughts.