I experimented with
www.studioproducts.com underpainting medium, mixed right into the mixture of background color, as well as the suit color. I was really delighted with this medium: the paint layer dries very, very quickly, and it has a uniform matte finish. It leaves a bit of tooth, which is great as additional layer are added, but works well if the final varnish is applied right on top of it. It works fine for me a final layer of paint, as I am not a glaze painter.
One if the paintings problems that has always been a problem for me is the painting of large dark passages, which tend to sink in, and make it difficult for me to deal with them. To paint the tuxedo, I painted the underlying black first - using a mixture of ivory black+ a mixed black made from thalo green and alizarin. To indicate the lighter areas of the fabric I used Grumbacher's raw umber straight from the tube, mixed with the underpainting medium.
I let the dark first layer dry completely before the raw umber layer. In some areas I painted the raw umber on the dry black, and in some areas I used Maroger to wet down the black areas first. I have now been using the underpainitng medium in every background or other other area where there is a large expanse of similar color.
When I felt I could no longer do anything to improve the portrait, I showed it to Tanner, who was completely thrilled. Only after client approval do I apply the final varnish.
Tanner will be hosting an unveiling party later this spring, and I