This method applies an uneven layer of paint over a dry underpainting that has relatively little oil so that the lower color can be seen through the applied paint. Skilled hands with this technique can achieve some of the most amazing effects in painting, and achieve the impression as if the painting is veiled.
It’s a great way to change color without sacrificing its vibrancy. Even the applied layer of paint can be changed by the action of the sub-image as if it was intended in advance. For example, a flat dark red sub-image can be softened with a brighter red, pink, or even some contrasting color. The surface texture of the paint is more challenging than the one below and more effectively contributes to the illusion of the painted theme.
Dark colors can be applied to lighter ones, but it is much better to do the opposite.
One way is to dip a wide flat brush into the paint which then drains well and gently pulls across the surface leaving a thin film.
The thick undiluted paint is applied in a circular motion with a round brush with a lot of paint that is held quite upright. Or a fairly wide and flat brush dipped in a thick paint is dragged across the surface so that a smudged, broken layer of paint remains. Tapping with a round or fan-shaped brush creates spot spots.
The color can also be softened with your fingers, the edge of your palm, a cloth, a sponge, or a spatula. The coarser the texture of the fabric, the softening of the colors will be more effective because most of the color will remain on top of the weave.
We need to experiment with paints of different densities on different surfaces and with different accessories that can be held in different ways, we will discover what kind of effects can be achieved.