I do a lot of shading and detail by pencil before I start to paint. I feel that this helps to give the picture a better start. From here I do an underpainting in diluted color in acrylic and let it dry for a few days. This covers up the pencil marks better than the oils.
When it is dry I cover the whole canvas with a mix of turpentine and linseed oil (50:50). I allow it to soak for an hour or so and wipe off all excess. This leaves the canvas with a nice shine and does not soak up your oils when you start to paint. From here you can build up your oils. Tip from: Clark B.
If I do a pencil sketch on a canvas, I seal it with a quick layer of clear acrylic medium first to help prevent smudging it when I paint. A big, soft brush works best. Tip from: Agatha
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