A blank canvas can be intimidating. How do you get over the initial fear? There are many answers to this. The old masters would paint a colored ground (base coat) on the entire canvas, often in sepia. Modern artists use color as a ground. A medium value ground allows the artist to paint darks, and then lights, while using the ground as the middle value. A color ground removes the blank canvas anxiety. It also offers a way to bring harmony to the entire finished piece. Another way to break through the fear of a blank canvas is to play! Let go of all preconceptions, and let loose! Play with color, mark making, and texture. Fill edge to edge with color. Then, use that as your base for your painting. This gives an inventive way to start a painting. Another thing to do could be use an old discarded painting! No blank canvas to worry about. Lastly, set up a structure for you to use to start your art. Maybe choose to make 3 lines, 4 brush strokes, and a soft wash. Now, you are on your way! Don't let whiteness frighten you. You've got this! #painting #artwork #art #artlesson #artisttalk