The Underpainting: Growing Strong in Life’s Windstorms When I begin a painting, I often start with what’s called an underpainting—a base layer, usually in burnt sienna or deep orange, brushed across the canvas. Then, instead of adding paint, I begin removing it. With tools like Q-tips, paper towels, and dry brushes dipped in thinner, I carve out light and shadow, form and movement. I’m not creating the full image yet—just shaping the foundation. This layer will mostly disappe