Easy Collaborative Art Podcast - Episode 10: How Do You Use Underpainting for Group Painting?

Discover how underpainting can remove the fear of a blank canvas, spark confidence, and set the tone for a cooperative painting project.

In this episode of Easy Collaborative Art, I talk about the role of underpainting in collaborative art.
You’ll discover how a simple first layer not only reduces overwhelm but also builds depth and creates an inviting surface for group painting.
I share practical ways to start your canvas with colour, texture, and playful prompts so that everyone feels confident to join in.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

• Why underpainting works — it removes the fear of a blank canvas.

• How to do it — with colour from your scheme, big brushes, playful marks, and ways to build depth.

• What it achieves — visual prompts, confidence, and setting the tone for a cooperative project.

Links and Resources:
🎨 Read the full episode transcript: How Do You Use Underpainting for Group Painting?

📘 Grab your free Beginner’s Guide to Collaborative Art

🎧 Podcast Home: Easy Collaborative Art

Happy Painting!
Charndra
Your Inclusive Social Art Guide

Tips for Collaborative Art Projects with Beginners (Teens & Adults)

If you’re running a group art session with beginners—whether teens or adults—you don’t need to be “artsy” to help them succeed. Collaborative art is about easing people in, reducing overwhelm, and building confidence step by step.

Here’s a simple 3-stage framework you can use:

Step 1: Messy Playing 🎨
Start by covering the canvas with colour to remove the fear of a blank surface. Use one or two colours from your palette and invite everyone to help fill it with loose brushstrokes, circles, or arches. This is underpainting in action—it creates depth later and makes the canvas feel approachable.

💡 Tip for facilitators: Reassure the group that “it can only get better from here.” Starting loose and messy removes pressure and gets everyone engaged quickly.

Step 2: Exploring 🌀
Once the first layer is dry, introduce patterns and shapes. Invite participants to echo earlier marks or add new clusters. Encourage repetition of simple shapes—dots, spirals, arches—while shifting brush sizes to smaller ones for each new layer. This naturally creates depth and a lively, sophisticated look without being complicated.

💡 Tip for facilitators: Keep brush and colour choices limited. Fewer options reduce hesitation and help the artwork look unified.

Step 3: Bling! ✨
Add finishing touches for sparkle and energy. Use paint pens, metallics, or clusters of small dots to tie everything together. This stage is relaxing and gives everyone a sense of accomplishment as the shared artwork comes alive.

💡 Tip for facilitators: Encourage mindfulness—small, simple marks can feel meditative and give participants a proud “I did this” moment.

Why This Works
This beginner-friendly framework lowers barriers, makes the first mark easy, and gently builds layers of collaboration. Participants leave not only with a finished artwork, but with a sense of connection and shared accomplishment.

Pattern Play Collaborative Art is all about making creativity accessible, fun and inclusive.