HOW TO Oils – Painting on the White of the Canvas

Working on an untoned canvas or support can offer some good opportunities to “save the whites” – much like watercolor painting. The challenge is that if we begin painting darks against the bright white, we may have a more difficult time assessing values. I find it useful to use a white palette if I’m working on a white support – the colors and values relate better to your study. Try painting around shapes – negative painting.
While painting on an untoned canvas, remember the lovely design contrasts that come from using transparent glazes and “milky” opaque washes.