"In art, an underpainting is an initial layer of paint applied to a ground, which serves as a base for subsequent layers of paint."
The preliminary layer of paint applied to a surface before the final layers, used to establish composition and values.
Definition and Purpose of Underpainting: An explanation of what underpainting is and why it is used in painting.
Historical Context of Underpainting: A review of the use of underpainting throughout art history, including important examples and traditions.
Materials Used in Underpainting: A description of the materials that can be used for underpainting, including oil paint, acrylic paint, and watercolor.
Techniques for Underpainting: An overview of the different techniques for applying and layering underpainting, including wet-on-wet and dry-brush techniques.
Color Theory and Underpainting: An exploration of the relationship between color theory and underpainting, including the use of complementary colors and color temperature.
Composition and Underpainting: An examination of the way that underpainting can affect composition and the overall harmony of a painting.
Narrative and Underpainting: A discussion of the role of underpainting in developing narrative elements within a painting, including the creation of atmosphere and tone.
Underpainting in Art Restoration: A look at the use of underpainting in art restoration and conservation, including the different methods and techniques used.
Common Mistakes in Underpainting: A list of common mistakes that artists make when working with underpainting, along with tips for avoiding them.
Resources for Learning Underpainting: A list of books, videos, and online resources for learning more about underpainting and its techniques.
Grisaille: A monochromatic underpainting in shades of grey to establish tonal values and shadows.
Verdaccio: A greenish-grey underpainting used to create a warm undertone and add depth to flesh tones.
Imprimatura: A transparent layer of paint used to establish the overall tone and color of the painting.
Dead color: A term used in oil painting to describe a layer or layers of a neutral color used to establish the values, form, and composition of a painting.
Glaze: A transparent layer of paint used to create depth and luminosity by allowing light to pass through the layers of paint.
Tansei: A Japanese painting technique in which a layer of gold or silver is applied first to the surface, followed by a layer of colored paint.
Pentimenti: A term used in painting to describe the traces of previous underpaintings or sketches that have been changed or modified in the final painting.
Alla prima: A technique in which the artist paints directly onto the canvas, working wet-on-wet and blending colors on the surface rather than layering them.
Drybrush: A technique in which the artist uses a dry brush to apply paint to the canvas, creating a scratchy, textured effect.
Sfumato: A technique in which multiple transparent layers of paint are applied, gradually building up the color and blending the edges to create a soft, hazy effect.
"Underpaintings are often monochromatic and help to define color values for later painting."
"Underpainting gets its name because it is painting that is intended to be painted over in a system of working in layers."
"There are several different types of underpainting, such as veneda, verdaccio, morellone, imprimatura, and grisaille."
"Grisaille is plain grey."
"Imprimatura uses earth tones."
"The neutral colors of the underpaint will not distract if they are not completely covered."
"It also aids the painter in getting a correct tone."
"A multi-color underpainting can also add to a work and was used by artists such as Giotto, as well as by Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden."
"This technique was pioneered by Titian in the High Renaissance."
"The colors of the underpainting can be optically mingled with the subsequent overpainting, without the danger of the colors physically blending and becoming muddy."
"If underpainting is done properly, it facilitates overpainting."
"If it seems that one has to fight to obscure the underpainting, it is a sign that it was not done properly."