Caravaggio Oil Painting Masterclass | Part 1: Dramatic Underpainting Technique

Welcome to the first part of my masterclass series where I explore the dramatic and powerful painting technique of Caravaggio — one of the greatest masters of the Baroque era.

In this episode, we begin with the foundational step of any classical oil painting: the underpainting. Using a fragment from David with the Head of Goliath (1607), I demonstrate how to establish values, form, and composition using the grisaille method — just as Caravaggio might have done.

What you'll learn:

How to start an oil painting in the style of the Old Masters
Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro and dramatic lighting techniques
Step-by-step underpainting process using a limited palette
Tips for creating strong value contrasts and mood

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Toning the Canvas
01:23 Tranfering the Drawing
02:05 Underpainting with Burnt Umber
03:54 Adding Titanium White
05:48 Painting the Background
06:52 Working on Details
09:00 Stages of Work using Caravaggio's Technique
09:48 What is Chiaroscuro

🖌️ Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, this video will help you understand the power of a strong underpainting and how to bring drama into your work — the Caravaggio way.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to catch Part 2 — where we start layering color!

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