Tutorial: Painting in Oil (will pope willpope.com)

[hagler1909]

Why is a white canvas such a hassle for so many artists? You have to start somewhere, and white is the color of most blank canvases. As an artist, you should be accustomed to this. New artists learn very quickly that puting paint on a blank canvas is very easy. In fact, it is too easy to cover the white spots. Please, get on with it.

[Faederure]

It's not the white itself that is a problem; it's the blankness. The white is only symbolic of the problem. It's coming up with a good idea for a composition that daunts painters; it's not the canvas itself. The same problem would present itself were the canvas blue or pink. It is interesting to note that Paul Cezanne said the same thing--that a white canvas is intimidating. And he was no slouch.

[hagler1909]

Understood. ...but, that is NOT how the "white" problem is often presented. The artists that I have heard speak on the subject are saying that it is litterally hard to cover, or drown out, the harsh, white space. Many art instructors recommend coloring the canvas, in order to cover the white. Usually, it is with a light gray. Sometimes, a pale blue is used. I sometimes have difficulty figuring out my composition, too. The white "problem" has zero to do with it.

[Faederure]

Okay, I agree with you completely. But please understand that your original comment from two months ago does not appear to show an awareness of toning, so I was only trying to respond to what I had in front of me. You're right: the problem is often presented incorrectly, as if white is a problem in itself. I'd like to talk more; I don't know enough people who really care about these things.

[djangolad]

You do talk too much!

No evidence of what you're talking about.

JUst do it!

[hermanusaanhuis]

you talk too much..........paint !!!!

[pigmastigma]

damn rite

[sonjadupau]

you are a very good teacher,and looking at your colours at the back.yellow, orange... Your looks remind me of a old frend B.O."You could be his dubbel",can you show the painthings you made? Meanwhile I listen a little more.....