Creating a Lean Underpainting for Your Oil Painting

You all know the rule – Fat over Lean – but how do you start an oil painting abiding by this rule?

A lean underpainting is an essential technique in oil painting that involves applying a thin, transparent layer of paint to establish the basic structure and values of your artwork. This initial layer serves as a foundation upon which additional layers of paint can be added later.

WE show you how to create lean mediums and start your painting using Tusc & Pine StudioSolv.

What is StudioSolv™: It is a purified professional, odor-free oil-thinning medium. It’s designed to thin oils and mediums while maintaining the integrity of your color. Great for modifying painting mediums, thinning oils and mediums while maintaining the integrity of your color with a higher safer flashpoint rating and…Made in the USA!

Add sparingly to your oil paints, and experiment with different ratios to find the consistency you prefer.

Materials Used in Video

StudioSolv Odorless Mineral Sprits by Tusc & Pine
Oil Paints
Linseed Oil
Jar with Lid
Measuring Cup
Palette Knife
Permanent Marker
Rag or Paper Towels

How To Create a Lean Underpainting for Your Oil Painting

(Refer to video – Steps seen in video)

After watching the Creating a Lean Underpainting for Your Oil Painting Video, Take your Materials List Above and Follow Along ( TIP: refer to our article on What is Underpainting in Oil Painting? )

Measure out 30ml of Linseed Oil into your measuring cup

Measure out 90ml of StudioSolv into your measuring cup

Combine into Resealable Container

MIX WELL!! and Label the Jar 1:3 Medium

Repeat the Process using 180ml of StudioSolv for a 1:6 Ratio

Swatch Both Mediums: Mix the 1:3 Lean Painting Medium with paint color, Mix the 1:6 Lean Painting Medium with Paint color and swatch them side by side (using a brush lay down your medium, bring some paint to it and mix with brush. Then swatch (as seen in the video).

The greater the dilution the lighter the swatch
Left to right: (left) 1:6 Lean Painting Medium, (right) 1:3 Lean Painting Medium

Tone Your Canvas: Begin to tone your canvas using the 1:6 medium

Block In Shapes: Next we are going to block in shapes with the 1:3 medium (less diluted). Begin adding some 1:3 medium over the 1:6 medium on plate and and add you color to it