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

Measuring Linseed Oil
Measuring Linseed Oil


Measure out 90ml of StudioSolv into your measuring cup

Measure Out 90ml of StudioSolv into your measuring Cup
Measure Out 90ml of StudioSolv into your measuring Cup


Combine into Resealable Container

Combine into Resealable Container
Combine into Resealable Container

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

making a lean oil painting medium
making a lean oil painting 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,
Swatch Both Mediums: Mix the 1:3 Lean Painting Medium with paint color,

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

The greater the dilution the lighter the swatch
The greater the dilution the lighter the swatch

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

Tone Your Canvas
Tone Your Canvas
Block In Shapes
Block In Shapes

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

Block In Shapes

Underpainting is now complete

underpainting is now complete
underpainting is now complete

Product Featured in Video and Article

StudioSolv™ Odorless Mineral Spirits
StudioSolv™ Odorless Mineral Spirits

More Resources

  1. The Best Oil Paints
  2. How to Varnish Your Oil Paintings
  3. What is Underpainting in Oil Painting?
  4. Synthetic vs. Natural Brushes for Oil Painting
  5. How To Clean Oil Paint Brushes
  6. 5 Pro Tricks for the Beginning Oil Painter


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