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Starting a pastel painting with an underpainting is one of my favorite methods. It sets the stage for the subsequent applications of pigment and provides something upon which to respond. An underpainting can be both utilitarian and serendipitous in its intention. One focuses on blocking in the large value and color relationships, making it easier to respond with detail. The other provides a more accidental/spontaneous happening, which often leads to new creative possibilities. Marrying these two concepts into one application can be a frustrating procedure. Either a solid value/color ground is achieved and creative spontaneity compromised, or an exciting spontaneous underpainting is achieved and a solid value/color structure is lacking. With practice, though, these two concepts can come together into one underpainting but until that technical ability is achieved, there are a couple of techniques that can be employed that will provide a solid value foundation upon which a serendipitous application of color can be applied. Full Article