A recent, surprise snowstorm presented another opportunity to paint the frosted scene outside my window.
The painting — not yet finished — is an oil painting on 9″ x 12″ canvas board.
Before I say that this painting is completed, I’d like to try indicating the falling snow. However, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
By letting this painting dry fully, if the next layer doesn’t look right, I can simply wipe it off the canvas and get back to this point… which I’m happy with.
This is the first of a series of paintings that I’m trying with an acrylic, tonal underpainting.
I’m starting with my usual underpainting of cadmium red.
Then, I’m using white and a dark paint (brown, blue or even black) to indicate the lightest lights & darkest darks.
Once that sketch dries, the oil painting begins.
So far, I’m pleased with this approach.
Below: The actual scene outside my window, and the acrylic underpainted sketch.
