Get rid of the white

by Patrick O’Brien

I always tone my canvas before I start painting. I use acrylic paint because it dries fast. Raw umber is traditionally used for this, but I will sometimes use a very watered down black.

Why? When painting on a white canvas, it’s difficult to judge your colors. The first colors you put on are always compared to the bright white of the canvas, even though in the finished painting those areas won't be bright white. It's best to use a middle tone for your base so that you can judge your colors accurately.