underdrawing Definition
- 1a preliminary drawing or sketch done as a guide for a finished piece of artwork
- 2the initial layer of paint or pigment applied to a canvas or surface before subsequent layers are added
Using underdrawing: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underdrawing" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The artist's underdrawing provided a rough outline for the final painting.
Example
The underdrawing was done in charcoal before the artist began applying paint.
Example
The conservationist discovered an underdrawing beneath the layers of paint on the canvas.
underdrawing Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with underdrawing
pen and ink underdrawing
a technique where an artist uses pen and ink to create a preliminary drawing on paper before transferring it to a canvas or other surface
Example
The artist used a pen and ink underdrawing to plan out the composition of the painting.
a technique where an artist creates a preliminary drawing using shades of gray to establish the values and tones of the final piece
Example
The artist used a tonal underdrawing to establish the light and shadow in the painting.
a full-scale drawing used as a guide for a fresco or mural
Example
The cartoon underdrawing provided a detailed plan for the fresco that would be painted on the wall.
Summary: underdrawing in Brief
Underdrawing [uhn-der-draw-ing] refers to a preliminary drawing or sketch done as a guide for a finished piece of artwork. It can also refer to the initial layer of paint or pigment applied to a canvas or surface before subsequent layers are added. Examples include 'The artist's underdrawing provided a rough outline for the final painting.' and 'The conservationist discovered an underdrawing beneath the layers of paint on the canvas.' Techniques for underdrawing include pen and ink, tonal, and cartoon underdrawing.