Laying the First Layers: The Underpainting Begins
- Leslie Buckner
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
Today marks a major turning point in the Miss Mary Piano Project—the beginning of the underpainting stage.
There’s something sacred about laying down that first layer of color. It’s like setting the emotional tone of the piece. Even though this stage will eventually be covered by more detailed brushwork, it sets the rhythm, much like the first chord in a musical composition.
Every brushstroke is intentional. Even in this early phase, I’m thinking about movement, music, and the energy of the performers that will eventually emerge on Miss Mary’s panels.

These first layers are soft, subtle, and mostly abstract right now—but they carry the weight of the entire story. They hold mood, motion, and the groundwork for the theatrical vibrance that will soon unfold.
As always, the final design will remain under wraps until our big reveal on June 13, 2025, but I’ll continue to share sneak peeks and process insights all month long.
Thank you for following this journey. This piano is coming to life—one layer at a time.
With rhythm and color,
B.J. Lane
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