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There are many ways to paint and to learn to paint. I learned via the monochrome underpainting path.
I think the biggest mistake people make with monochrome underpainting is thinking that you glaze over everything.
You don't.
It is important to realize that the monochrome underpainting method is a great way to learn value and creating a 3d impression on a 2d surface. It is a great way for a beginner to create works using a controlled palette. It can teach you a lot.
Back to glazing. You only glaze where you need to and where it is appropriate to the work.
I am attaching a picture of a Bouguereau reproduction I did using this method. I only used glazes over the background, the book, and part of her garment. The rest was painted wet into wet in a more direct fashion - the garment, the hair, the flesh - all opaque paint. In places in the flesh, I left some of the verdaccio underpainting showing through. I did some final adjustment glazes in areas of her hair and a glaze of red over her fingers as they were not quite red enough.
So the technique does work, you just have to have someone teach it to you correctly. It is by no means the only way to paint or to learn to paint.
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