This is a step I used to skip. I couldn't understand why you would want to paint the entire thing only to paint on top of it and hide what you just did. It turns out, however, that even though I will paint several layers of paint on top of this one, it is never really hidden. The layers on top meld with this one and create a depth to the painting that can't be achieved with a single layer of paint. I also find that, if I do it right, this is the most difficult step and the other layers are easy once I have the basic lights and darks down.
I've used a mixture of burnt umber and ivory black as my base color, then added galkyd medium. I thin this with odorless mineral spirits as needed to get the variations in the shadows. The highlights are zinc white. I add no other colors in this step - the object is simply to map out the value (relative degrees of lightness and darkness) of the painting. Note that I use a black and white photo to help me identify them.
Color comes later. After I finish this step (the shirt, face and left arm are still not done). Which may be a while, given that I am headed out for a vacation in Mexico. Mas adalante. Hasta la vista, baby!
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