Fishpools Cottage - Underpainting

I don't understand the concept of underpainting... why isn't this the finished article or why don't you add colour as you go...

Hi Karen - that's a great question & I'm happy to answer. The old masters style of underpainting is at the forefront of my techniques these days. Using burnt umber for my underpainting layer & allowing that to dry before I proceed will make the piece more luminescent when its finished. The interaction that takes place once I put the colour layers on will allow light to penetrate to the the base colour. So when it reflects back it has more depth & will give it the 'I can almost reach in & touch it feeling'. It allows better use of the 'darks' & allows me to mute certain areas. By doing this I'm moving away from the wet on wet standard that can give a work that bright poster colour look. I'm not arguing against that as some artists want to paint quickly & get the job done. This old master style takes longer but I feel I'm rewarded with a more exciting & vibrant look to the work than if I was to just simply paint the colour layers straight onto the canvas. When Fishpools Cottage is finished I'll post it on painters online & you'll be able to see if you agree with me. I hope that answers your question & thank you very much for looking at my work. Marion.