The construction of an oil painting Part1

Leonardo da Vinci was a marvelous Artist. His initial sketch was done on paper of the same size as the canvas he was going to use.. then he would use a needle to poke holes on the various lines.

This could be transferred to the canvas with the sketch (with holes) overlaying. Dusting the image with a powdered charcoal so it would feed the canvas with dots he could later trace over.

As I’ve tried this a number of times over the years. With marginal success. So good in theory there’s easier ways to do this today that doesn’t leave the room with a dusting of charcoal.

I start with a sketch after the canvas or panel is primed (yes for the most part using gesso) directly on the surface.  Next appling a thin layer for a monotone underpainting, imprimatura (earth tones).

Continued in: The construction of an oil painting Part2…