Black and white for shadows?
 

I have been studying the book by Joseph Sheppard titled 'How to Paint Like the Old Masters' and I have noticed that Rubens and Titian are said to have used ivory black and white to paint in shadows after the burnt umber underpainting. I have been reading a lot about underpainting on this site and haven't come across this step yet. Yet another confusing step!:) Any clarification by anyone who has had experience with this would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Joan

That particular book is very good for talking about underpainting in general and painting in layers.

Sheppard's book has some unusual paint recipes and as far as I know, they are not part of any rigid standard practice...only a suggestion of what the author thinks may have been done.

Take what he says with a grain of salt and follow what looks good to your eye...i.e., take the information that works for you and ignore the rest.

More has been written about how the Old Masters painted than is known...(if you get my drift here).

Thank you
 

Karin, thank you for your post. That is what I needed to hear.

Joan