Painting Techniques

Question 1

Pre 1850s oil painting

Answer 1

1) preliminary sketches
2) support
3) canvas stretch
4) size (rabbit skin glue)
5) prime (gesso, 2-3 coats in alternating directions) –> light sand
6) underdrawing
7) ground stain (imprimatura)
8) underpainting (usually b&w) aka dead colouring
9) glazes (usually linseed oil, must be bone dry before each layer)
10) varnish

Question 2

Post 1850s oil painting

Answer 2

painting with just 1 layer, continuous (wet on wet), no need for underpainting