underpainting Definition
- 1a preliminary layer of paint applied to a ground, especially in painting, to create a smooth base for the final layers of paint
- 2the initial stages of a creative work, such as a literary or musical composition, that serve as a foundation for later revisions
Using underpainting: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underpainting" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The artist began with an underpainting of neutral tones before adding color.
Example
The writer's underpainting was a rough draft that she later revised and refined.
Example
The musician's underpainting was a simple melody that he later developed into a complex arrangement.
underpainting Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for underpainting
- groundwork
- base coat
- preliminary layer
Phrases with underpainting
black and white underpainting
a monochromatic underpainting done in shades of black and white, often used in oil painting
Example
The artist created a black and white underpainting before adding color to the portrait.
an underpainting done in shades of a single color, often used in watercolor painting
Example
The watercolorist began with a tonal underpainting of blue before adding other colors to the landscape.
a thin, colored underpainting used in oil painting to create a warm glow or tone
Example
The artist applied an imprimatura of burnt sienna to the canvas before beginning the portrait.
Origins of underpainting
from under- +โ painting, from the verb 'to paint'
Summary: underpainting in Brief
'Underpainting' [uhn-der-peyn-ting] refers to a preliminary layer of paint applied to a surface, typically in painting, to create a smooth base for the final layers of paint. It can also refer to the initial stages of a creative work that serve as a foundation for later revisions. Examples include a black and white underpainting in oil painting, a tonal underpainting in watercolor painting, and an imprimatura to create a warm glow or tone.
