A comment I get a lot at my weddings is.. “ahhh… you can paint! when I saw you painting all brown I thought, who’s hired this bad artist!” or “I wondered why you were painting brown and now you’ve covered it all..”

Artists often use an undercoat of brown, or another neutral colour, before painting for several reasons. One reason is to create a toned ground that provides a harmonious base for the colours that will be applied on top.

The neutral colour also helps to create depth and richness in the final painting, as the colours painted on top can interact with the brown underlayer in interesting ways. This can be especially useful when working with transparent or translucent paints, as the brown undercoat can subtly influence the appearance of the colours above it.

Another reason for using a brown undercoat is to provide a mid-tone value that helps to establish the overall value structure of the painting. By starting with a middle value, artists can more easily establish the light and shadow areas of the painting and create a sense of three-dimensional form.

Additionally, the undercoat can help to seal and protect the canvas or other painting surface, preventing paint from being absorbed too quickly or unevenly. This can help to create a more even and consistent surface for the artist to work on.

Overall, using an undercoat of brown or another neutral colour is a common practice among artists that can help to improve the quality and consistency of their paintings.