noun
- a preliminary layer of paint applied to a canvas or surface before the final painting, typically used to establish composition, values, or color foundation
Usage: art terminology
Examples
- The artist began with a warm brown underpainting to establish the overall tone.
- Renaissance masters often used a monochromatic underpainting called grisaille.
- The underpainting showed through in places, creating subtle color variations.
- She applied a thin underpainting to map out the light and shadow areas.
- The instructor demonstrated how underpainting helps achieve luminous skin tones.
- Oil painters traditionally use an earth-toned underpainting for portraits.