Meal Time

surface prep

Prepare a rigid support (canvas or panel) with a neutral ground. While specific preparation for *Meal Time* is not detailed in the sources, traditional oil painting practice involves ensuring the surface is properly sized and primed to accept oil layers. The 'fat over lean' rule must be observed to prevent cracking (Source 8).

underdrawing

Begin by sketching the subject onto the canvas using charcoal or thinned paint, as is traditional in oil painting (Source 8). Given Hedley’s background in woodcarving and illustration, precise line work may be beneficial, but the final image should not rely on hard outlines, aiming instead for the 'reality effect' of genre painting (Source 3, Source 8).

underpainting

Create a monochrome underpainting (grisaille) using black, ultramarine, and white mixed with oil of copavia or linseed oil (Source 1). This step involves mentally extracting red and yellow colors to establish values and forms without color interference (Source 1). This technique aligns with the methods of old masters and provides a stable foundation for subsequent glazing (Source 1).

Glazing

Applying transparent coats of color over a dry underpainting to build depth and luminosity, as practiced by old masters and recommended for realism.

Scumbling

Using semi-opaque paint to modify tones and textures, allowing the underpainting to show through, particularly useful for creating cool tones or grey blooms.

Fat over Lean

Ensuring each subsequent layer of paint contains more oil than the previous one to prevent cracking and ensure proper drying.