Some artists do it and some don’t. Toning the canvas that is.
Some of the reasons to tone a canvas are as follows:
- You may simply not like the stark white surface when starting or find it distracting.
- It can help unify a painting, especially in the early stages before all the areas are covered.
- You may like some of the toned color peaking through.
- A toned canvas may make it easier to paint some subjects. (I regularly tone a canvas when I am painting a tree that has fine branches, leaving some to show through.)
- You want to set a mood.
- The white canvas is cold in color. That may distort some colors for you. They may appear warm next to the white until the canvas is completely covered.
- You may have more spontaneity with a toned canvas.
- The brightness of white may give a glare when painting outdoors.
Some of the reasons for painting on a white canvas:
- Some artists feel that with a toned canvas they can’t record accurate color when putting paint to canvas.
- The whole canvas is covered in different background colors with the blockin. So, why bother with toning.
- You may lose some spontaneity with toning.
- With transparent paints, the white of the canvas can make the colors more vibrant and glowing.
- Some artists like some of the white canvas peaking through.
- You have the choice of several different think washes of colors over different parts of the painting.
There is no right or wrong. This is a choice for you to make, but don’t make it a hard and fast rule. Sometimes you may tone a canvas and other times not. Experiment.
The featured image has a toned canvas. I knew that I wanted some ground to show through the grass. I thought the easiest way to paint that would be to tone the canvas from a yellow ochre at the top to a cadmium red at the bottom. It gave depth, saved some work and I think, gave the painting a fresh painterly look.
Related articles: What color to tone a canvas.
I had to post this pinterest photo. It is such a good feeling. It’s a notecard from Etsy by Jane.
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As you know I love the challenge and effect of coloring the canvas. I have had some happy surprises doing so and it has also stretched me as well as a colorist and artist. Thanks Becky!
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