How To Begin An Oil Painting, Imprimatura Stain Layer

Hello everyone! In this video, I discuss one of the many possibilities of how to begin an oil painting. Specifically, I am demonstrating the very traditional initial drawing stain layer, also known as the Imprimatura layer. Thanks for watching!
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MATERIALS:
• Michael Harding Burnt Umber Oil paint
• Richeson Gesso Primed Hard Board - 11" x 14"
• Weber Odorless Turpenoid
• M.Graham Walnut Oil
• Utrecht Manglon Synthetic Brushes
• Wooden palette
Music: "Walk Through The Park" & "Member's Only" by Track Tribe.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

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

[@astroneer013]

you are by far one of the most under rated oil painting youtuber. this is EXACTLY the type of information i have been looking for and you do it in such an informative and entertaining way

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thank you again! Your message is very humbling. I am so thrilled you are enjoying the content. I really appreciate your kindness and support. Cheers!

[@polarbearsrus6980]

O.K., I'm trying it. Thanks for sharing!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Best of luck! Happy painting.

[@cameronskinner6186]

Michael Nolan has done it again!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I have, haven't I...? It is almost too could to be true. Haha. Cam, the world does not deserve you!

[@dennisblogg]

Just found your channel. Really dig your "format", kinda reminds me of this old tony's channel in a few ways. Keep up the good work!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thank you! Very cool! Appreciate your kind words.

[@sh-sh-shayyy]

Who is this guy, the next Bob Ross or somethin ?? The power He holds is too great

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I will need hair implants for that. I guess it is time to schedule that appointment. Sigh... but it must be done!

[@sh-sh-shayyy]

@@michaeljohnnolan thank u for your commitment ✨

[@manosotelo4730]

Mike, this is AWESOME! Super excited about your new channel! FANTASTIC demo, and terrific hearing your thoughts about the process. Can't wait for part 2!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I am not worthy. You are the genius!

[@matthending939]

I cannot believe it's taken me this long to find you.... Love your vids and have pretty much binged all of them. Looking forward to painting along with your vids. Thank you so much for your content

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Well, we are here now. :) Anyway, thank you so much for your super kind words and taking the time to watch the videos. I really appreciate that. Good luck on your paintings. Cheers!

[@MayFire55]

Y E S, go off King!!!! 🙏🙌

[@michaeljohnnolan]

May! You are awesome!!!!!!

[@Ch1kch1k]

This gave me everything I was wanting from learning about stain layers. Searched and you answered perfectly, thank you for your post x

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and for the super kind comment. Cheers!

[@jeffhreid]

Excellent video. I agree the sentiment. When I do an umber wash I don’t use any oil as I appreciate the quick drying time of just the raw umber and terps. When I go back in the next time with white I’ll use liquin to allow me to go back again the next day. Enjoyed your channel, will subscribe. Cheers

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you so much. And thank you for sharing your method. I appreciate the support. Cheers!

[@prichardgs]

Abad day painting is a GREAT day!!!!!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

You got that right! Thanks for watching!

[@sarahs.7419]

I really value the coverage of the psychological process of painting. Having taken your classes, I’ve absorbed a lot of the technical skills, but the mental/emotional processes are forgotten more quickly. A fantastic refresher!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awe, thank you, Sarah! The mental process is sadly sometimes the harder part. We all need that refresher. Happy picture making!

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Michael, I love to paint in layers. I get so happy I usually don’t do a study first. But I’m working on it. Thanks so much for another great video. ❤❤❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello again, Crisalida! Thank you again for the warm words. Painting in layers is just the best. So glad you liked the video!

[@cait3885]

The skill!!!!!! 🖤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

The passion!!!!!! Haha! You are the best!

[@tiffanygarcia8100]

Brings me right back to 2008ish I loved your class makes me want to drag out all my oil paints again

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you, Tiffany! That brings me back. I do hope you are still painting. Great to hear from you. Hope you are well.

[@kendrakc4060]

Ohhhh how I have missed your lectures and demos! Fantastic as ever!!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Kendra!!!!!! They have missed you too! Come back to me. Haha

[@gingergreen4569]

Wonderful video!!!!!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Yay!!!!!!! I am so glad you like it! This editing stuff is like learning a whole new language.

[@baileyrebeka8846]

I’m always blown away by your work.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Bailey!!!!!!! You are way too kind to me.

[@conormcswiney935]

I love your paint brush containers. The Balvenie, one of my fave’s 😃

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! You certainly are a man of great taste. :) Thanks for watching!

[@conormcswiney935]

@@michaeljohnnolan Love this channel Michael. Getting back into painting after an absence of about 25 years 😱. Just finished building my art studio and you are the perfect inspiration to kick start things for me. I shall store my brushes in some of my single malt bottle containers and send you a pick.👍

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@conormcswiney935 Conor, thank you. This has made my day. I am so happy that you are getting back into the wonderful world of painting after some time away. And for me to be of any help or inspiration to that is just an honor. I am truly humbled. Best of luck, sir. Enjoy every aspect of the process. And yes please, do send me pics of the setup and your most recent creations... if you are willing to share. Cheers!

[@conormcswiney935]

@@michaeljohnnolan 👍😃

[@liamryan6017]

Fascinating.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Thank you. Glad you liked the video. Cheers!

[@briberg]

great editing, music, and oh yeah painting! so exciting to see what else you post! 10/10

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Bri!!!!! Thank you. I am just following in your giant footsteps. :) Cheers!

[@fernandogonzalez8129]

This is awesome thank you 👍

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad you like it! Thank you for your kind words and for watching. Cheers!

[@kristaochs2099]

Very cool - I love the sculptural aspect of laying that in with the highs and lows…. Looking forward to watching more or your videos! :)

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks so much, Krista! That is too cool. I appreciate your kind words.

[@user-ft1mz7hy7y]

Looking forward to trying this step out in class, thanks for sharing this resource here :) Love your brush holders! Cheers!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! You are a terrific painter and getting better every day. Soon I will have to stop sharing secrets with you. And duh... whiskey cartons make the best brush holders. :) Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching.

[@user-ft1mz7hy7y]

@@michaeljohnnolan Lol - another perk for the spouse of a painter for my scotch loving husband!

[@fleursmaladives]

Hi Michael, bravo for your clear and instructive videos from Paris, France! A question: how would you add Dammar gum to your painting medium? Thank you, Adam

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello Adam! Thank you very much for the kind comment. I am glad you enjoyed the video. The traditional mixture for a medium is 1/3 Dammar, 1/3 Artist Oil, 1/3 Turp. But honestly, I have never worked with Dammar Gum in solid form... so I am unsure of how to add it. What are you wanting to do with your painting medium? Thanks again!

[@11Educate]

Get me Walnut Oil. I wanna be a Da Vinci!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Right! I wish that is all it took. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers!

[@thefordezmo]

Do you ever use charcoal on top of the stain, or below a transparent stain, in order to eliminate drawing mistakes before beginning dead color layer?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Great question! I have done both with charcoal... under the stain layer and on top of an already dried stain layer. It is a fun way to start a painting and it is super flexible. The charcoal can create such a unique aesthetic. However, personally I have more practice with drawing with the paint during the stain layer or with an initial pencil drawing that I then ink before the stain layer is applied. Thanks for watching. I appreciate your time.

[@jojojo8835]

Does anyone know where to find the reference image/software? It looks like some kind of virtual 3D modelling app maybe?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for the comment. It was a photo from a small sculpture from either the Nelson-Atkins Museum or from the Met. I do not remember where I took the photo, it has been too long. Anyway, the image is on my old computer. If you email me, I will send you the reference photo. My email is on my "About" page.

[@Zerker77745]

Does he dip his rag in anything to get a whiter highlight?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello William! Thanks for the watch and the question. Typically no, but sometimes I may add a little bit of odorless minerals spirits to the rag or a Q-Tip to help remove any stubborn paint to get a whiter highlight.

[@cheryladelmeyer8172]

What if I drew on my white canvas first. Can I still tone it?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Funny you should ask... that will be one of my upcoming videos. The short answer is yes... BUT it depends on what you draw with. Pencil is great, but will need to inked in order to survive the stain-wash process. Solvents and oils dissolve the graphite. If you ink, make sure to used a water soluble ink and not a Sharpie. Chemical permanent markers like Sharpies always seem to shine through your future layers and keep saying, hello! Anyway, hope this helps. Thanks for watching. Happy painting!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Learning how to oil paint? Check out my playlist, "Oil Painting Basics" kzbin.info/aero/PL74fFkdTaHAjFKbih_nnpuEJQvG9jUaA7

[@IntyreMac1]

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[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank God. I am honored. Because you are my hero too! (Inset Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out For A Hero")

[@seanschweska856]

I know this guy in real life

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Haha! And I know you too! It is the best.