I do not like to paint on a white canvas. It is a lot easier to do the portrait when there is an earth tone underneath. This job can be exhausting so I try every way possible to make the work easier. Here I am using a small paint pad that you can get in your home improvement store in the paint department. After I get the mid tone on as evenly as possible, then I wipe it down with paper towels, viva if I have them.