How To Begin An Oil Painting, Grisaille Underpainting Layer

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for watching! Check out my video on HOW TO START an ALLA PRIMA oil painting! 🎨 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ3TZGutn7N-ec0

[@joconnell1971]

I’ve never heard grisaille called the ”moonlight layer.” I love it. Thank you for clarifying that the grisaille and the dead layer are the same thing. I had dead layer confused with the imprimatur layer. I appreciate your help. Great video!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Of course, I am so glad the video helped. And thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate you taking the time to drop a comment. Good luck on the painting. Cheers!

[@king_beedorah7731]

Super stoked to have my old intro to painting teacher making KZbin instructionals!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! It has been way too long!

[@eugenerim]

Yes, grisaille is a drawing technique for thoughtful artists!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

It is definitely like a well conducted orchestra. :) Thanks for watching!

[@thethoughtemporium]

Not gonna lie, I lost it at the "let's keep it fancy" gag. So simple, but hilarious. I dunno why, but it just made me laugh really hard.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Nice! Thank you. I thought that was funny too. But I almost took it out during editing... so I am glad I left it in. Anyway, thanks for watching and for the super kind comment. Cheers!

[@marypartridge5154]

The simpler you guys keep this the better it will be. As a lot of us artists get turned off by people who appear to good.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for the comments. You are so right, the simpler it is, the better it comes across. Being able to clearly communicate the artistic process is an art in itself. Anyway, thanks again for your input. Good luck in your painting.

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Thanks so much for the excellent demo and clear explanation. This is a long process with great results. For me patience and thoughtful planning is the key. Looking forward to the continuation of the grisaille. You are just an amazing artist. Blessings and take care.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Well, aren't you the best! :) Thank you for making my day. I am just so humbled and grateful for your kind words. Sounds like you have been painting for a while. Thank you again for contributing to our little community.

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

@@michaeljohnnolan I only write the truth. The little community needs to turn into the greatest community with so much more to learn under the guidance of a great instructor who knows when things go wrong there is a way to fix the problem. Greetings from Champaign, Illinois. Take care and thanks for all you do to keep us going.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@crisalidathomassie1811 That is just too cool! Let's do it! Let's all grow and learn together. THANK YOU! Selfishly, the only reason I got into teaching is because I never wanted to stop learning. Well, also, I had a few great mentors who instilled the beauty of passing along the teachings. Thanks again! You are the best. Greetings from Tucson, Arizona!

[@LouIchioustheWerewolf]

I really like this technique of applying the tones. Thanks Michael 😊

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! It is one of my favorite techniques for sure. Thank you! Cheers!

[@pipfox7834]

Thankyou!! Been searching for for exactly this for quite a while... had forgotten the basics from my classes in this years ago ❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

So glad! Thank you for the watch and for the kind comment! Back to basics for all of us. :)

[@karenmorgan4250]

You are an outstanding artist and teacher. I have been doing watercolors for a while but I would also like to expand to oils. But so far all I have done is looks at my materials LOL! After watching your videos, I am I powered and I am going to try it now! I mean what can it hurt. Thank you!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you so much! You are very kind. I am so glad you found the video helpful. That is too cool! I hope you love working with oils. Be brave and always allow yourself the grace and patience to learn. The great news is that watercolor is by far the harder medium to use and it translates beautifully to oil paint. Just ask Sargent! :) I imagine you will pick it up fast. Happy painting!

[@SWITCHXXXXBLADE]

Just discovered your channel a few videos ago and had to subscribe. Thank You so much for sharing all of this amazing knowledge with us all. Much love! ❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! I am so glad you like the videos. And thank you for the super kind note. It made my morning. I really appreciate you taking the time. Cheers!

[@phoenixsasha2727]

So what comes next after this layer? Do you have a following video that evolves this series into the final full painting? Love this. Subscribed!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Thank you. I appreciate it. This technique follows the Flemish method of painting, typically referred to as the "seven layer method." What comes next is warmer color opaque and transparencies. I would love to made the follow up video. I will put it on the list. Thanks!

[@laurenedwards4158]

LOVE THIS! So fun, beautiful, informative and inviting!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much!

[@manosotelo4730]

Super awesome Mike! Great narration. Beautiful painting. Love that last part, Asia's Heat of the Moment! Epic album cover. : )

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Mano-Man! Thank you kindly! Asia is the greatest band of ALL TIME!!!!!

[@gingergreen4569]

The ending of this video is amazing wow

[@michaeljohnnolan]

The ending was fun to create! Thank you, Ginger! You are the best.

[@shrug_shrugsly]

I’ve not finished the video, yet, but I had to rewind twice to watch the laughing clown/jack-in-the-box head. Dadgum I love your videos❤❤❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Nice! The Jack ball was so much fun to use. I am overjoyed you liked it. Sadly, I don't use it as much as I should. Thanks again for all of your support. You are the best!

[@shrug_shrugsly]

@@michaeljohnnolan His noise was what especially got me. Just so fun!! Out of nowhere, boom, he rolls in with the mischievous little laugh noise. You use lots of other great stuff, so I’m just looking fists to the next surprises!! You are so appreciated for sharing these awesome videos!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@shrug_shrugsly Awesome! So glad you mentioned that. I love his sounds too. Haha. Thank you so much.

[@DaniZanskar]

When i was watching this video i thought it had like 100.000 views, but to my surprise it's "just" 1000 😳 I hope you get to much more public, you deserve it!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you VERY much, Dani! That is just too cool. Hopefully one day. The channel is just at its beginnings. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@jeffhreid]

Another enjoyable video. Really liked the commentary juxtaposing the various approaches and benefits to following vs departing from hard and fast techniques

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you again for the kind comment.

[@kjw2364]

This presentations is entertaining and very informative thank you

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad you enjoyed it!!! I appreciate you watching and letting me know. Thanks again! Cheers.

[@sp9138]

Great Instructions

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching. Cheers!

[@BrandiMcDermott-e1b]

Wonderful demo and entertaining one man show! LOL

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you for the super kind words. I think with this video I was starting to figure stuff out. I am so glad you liked it.

[@lantanalanta1709]

Great video, very clear explanation, great voice! Thank you.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you, Lantana! You are very kind. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@davidgavin266]

Well done instructions.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you, David! I appreciate your kindness. Thanks for watching!

[@memoguillermomillan]

Hi wonderful video!! Do you happen to have a video explaining the final step? Adding color over the grisaille?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello back! Thanks for the kind words. I am so happy you enjoyed the video. I do not as of right now. It is on my short list of videos to make for this year. The traditional final layer on top of the grisaille is a warm color layer. If you look up the "Flemish layer painting method" you should find very detailed explanations. Besides the different layers establishing the drawing and values, this traditional method also alternates warm, cool, warm layers to create a very rich style of painting. (Warm for the imprimatura, Cool for the grisaille, and Warm for the final color layer). Hope this helps. Thanks again.

[@ulisesramos8747]

Very nicely narrated, I don’t if you’ve seen James Gurney but it’s also an artist who makes videos for KZbin of his process you might want to take a look at him, but really enjoyed this one!!👍🏼😁

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Ulises, thank you so much! I appreciate you checking out the video! Thanks for the kind words.

[@Wendy8888]

"Verging on the obscene and vulgar" 😆 Great video. Thank you.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Nice! The Academy is just so harsh. Haha. Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kindness and time. Cheers!

[@Jmetoyer]

Clean 🧼

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Nice! Indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@philipmelton9453]

Michael!!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Phil!!!!!

[@Selftaught_777]

Gifted

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! That is very kind of you. I am so glad you liked the video. Cheers!

[@JANKOWALSKI-kx8zm]

😅Świetna robota, widać artystę. Ja dopiero się uczę, bardzo Cię proszę kontynuuj dalej ten obraz. Pokaż proszę co robić dalej. Mam też pytanie... czy można od początku namalować obraz olejny samymi tylko farbami - bez medium a dopiero na końcu, gdy obraz suchy nałożyć warstwę oleju?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you so much. Thank you for watching and for the questions. You are so right, I should make a video for the next steps. And yes, it is completely possible to make an oil painting with just paints and no mediums like oil. You would just have to use your oil paint very thinly to re-wet the canvas between dry layers. Congrats on diving into painting. Welcome aboard!

[@pipfox7834]

No mention is made of the ground/ surface?. In my classes years ago, mention was made of the importance of smooth ground- and smooth application, of grisaille- for best effect...?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Good idea. Sadly, not in this video. We were also taught about a smooth surface for application. Personally, I always like to work on primed panel. Thanks for the comments and question. And thanks for watching!

[@shrug_shrugsly]

Unnnhhh I can’t!!! I love your videos SOOOO MUCH!!!! If I had one request? More laughing clown head. But I’m probably the minority on that 😂😂😂 the stick you use. Is that to keep your hand from touching wet paint? To stabilize your hand? I’ve never seen anyone use that before but it looks like a clever solution for help with both of those things and I don’t even know if it’s for something completely different!!

[@shrug_shrugsly]

Truly. Your videos are the best. ❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Far out! Thank you so much. I am glad I still have a few videos left you had not seen. :) By the way, you are reading my mind. It is called a mahl stick... AND I am just about to finish a video about that and how to use it. Haha. Nice. As always, I deeply appreciate all of your support. Cheers!

[@shrug_shrugsly]

@@michaeljohnnolan You are THE NICEST person!! I read your replies and they make me genuinely smile. And to get such amazing kindness? For just truly thanking you for all the hard work you’ve done. It’s really amazing character to be able to make someone feel happy just for having said thank you. You’re delightful and appreciated sincerely!!

[@shrug_shrugsly]

@@michaeljohnnolan Oh !!! I found new videos of yours on Instagram!! 😀 I’m late to the game in playing with these technologies, but yay I found bonus videos :) So I have a few videos left to tide me over now :) !!! Yay technology :)

[@nataliescheja3425]

What kind of canvas do u use ? It is like canvas paper ?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I believe that was done on Richeson Hardboard Gesso Panel. It is a fine smooth surface. Thanks for watching. :)

[@SKYnewsBlue]

What is that’s “artist oil” you apply in the start. Google couldn’t help me…😅

[@amandarobinson6508]

I’m assuming this would be a linseed oil but would love to know if he uses something different and if he prefers refined linseed

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello James, pardon my quick explanation in the video. An artist oil is any artist quality thinning oil such as linseed, poppy, safflower, stand oil, walnut, etc. And that's a bad job, Google. :)

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@amandarobinson6508 Thanks Amanda. You assumed right! Typically, I use either a linseed oil or a walnut oil. Cheers!

[@sh-sh-shayyy]

Skully is so handsome 😳✨ got me distracted tryna watch you paint

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Sharon! Skully misses you! Where the heck is Ryan?

[@sh-sh-shayyy]

@@michaeljohnnolan last I remembered in our photoshop saga you guys got married in space, I was just the officiant, so YOU tell ME

[@cait3885]

We love Skully and Hermès, those weirdos! 😆

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Hermes is hiring an agent.

[@DavidLewis-vp4mv]

Don't understand why you need this layer with a good stain layer?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello David! Thanks for watching and for the question. It is another process under layer to work out values, drawing, and insert some cooler tones before the warmer tones in the next layer. Some of the appeal is that it has a lot of historical relevance, especially with the Flemish style of painting. But as you put it, if you have a good stain layer then you do not need this. It is just really preference for process and a finished aesthetic. Thanks again.

[@deathandstrawberries8383]

I’m with Hermes

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I knew it! :)

[@kendrakc4060]

Skully’s looking swell in his old age

[@michaeljohnnolan]

He is working out! Thanks Kendra!

[@Aur315]

I enjoy this, I don’t understand oil when it comes to layering (if I’m doing it right). So it’s the underpaintung and then the graisalle and then color for what colors you want to use ?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello Aurora! Thanks for the watch and for the question. Typically layered oil paintings start with a drawing layer or Imprimatura layer, then an underpainting layer, which traditionally was the Grisaille layer. Then they finish up with a final color layer. And yes, you can use any colors that your image requires or that you want to use. For the traditional approach to layering, look up the "Flemish Layer Method" for oil painting. That is the extensive layering techniques that most modern layered painting is based on. I really should a video on that complete method. Again, thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@nek114]

T h a n k y o u s o m u c h !!!!!!!

[@SKYnewsBlue]

2 hours¿'! WTH man, you serious?!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Haha! Thanks. And yes, the study was just over 2 hours. I was painting as fast as I can for the camera. :)

[@KpxUrz5745]

I actually don't believe anyone uses the archaic method of grisaille underpainting any more, at least not as a legitimate technique.

[@seanschweska856]

Tell me how to draw cartoons

[@michaeljohnnolan]

With pleasure kind sir! I will make that an upcoming video. Just for you!