When painting with acrylics, should you paint the background first all one color?

Answer 1

Depending on if it's an interior or an exterior setting, there are different approaches. For exteriors I usually use a wash of the colors of the sky (since the sky will likely be using the least paint compared to the foreground areas) then gradually move forward in the visual field. This serves a few purposes: the areas that protrude forward the most and the areas with the most visual focus will get the most paint and the most finishing detail, which makes them pop into the viewer's focus more clearly.

In terms of the äll-one-color" background approach, this can be useful for depiction of an area that is evenly-lit, in clear daylight or other settings. An all-dark background gives the opportunity to have figures or portraits slink out of the shadows, like the work of Rembrandt or Caravaggio.

I prefer to use a varied light wash as the base coat (over the gesso/primer) in most paintings, then block out the scene and flesh out the blocks.

Answer 2

Sure. White is a good option. When doing a portrait sienna or burned umber works pretty good.

There is no set rule here. If it is 'just to get a layer of acrylic' to paint on...No you don't need to do that.

Answer 3

I you dont want a backround with detail then paint the back round one color or else if the backround is biger thing the object on top paint the backround first.

Answer 4

i usually paint what is behind before painting what is in front. if i'm using acrylics, i let the layer below dry before adding a layer on top.

Answer 5

I usually prep the canvas first by painting it with a mixture of hooker's green mix with turpentine, it gives me a nice base to work on.