An underpainting is definitely a part of the beginning of creating a painting. However, it’s not the very beginning. If you’d like to begin all your painting with confidence instead of confusion, check out the “How to begin?” course
I paint from a photograph and you’ll see how I go about creating an underpainting. I use just 2 colors of paint. Well, actually 3 because if you notice, my canvas is a color. It’s not white.
An underpainting is something you should definitely consider using and learning about as it will make the process of painting so much easier for you when you understand how to use them.
Note: If you would like to go further with your oil painting instruction and are searching for a way to end your confusion when you begin your paintings, I recommend checking out my new course "How to begin?" Learn more now

I liked the demo with the white and umber. . The red thing on top of the chickens head is called a “comb”. Pat