Understanding Underpainting and Its Importance in Your Artistic Process
- Lisa Stavinoha
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
Every artist faces the challenge of creating a strong foundation for their work. One technique that has stood the test of time is underpainting. This method can transform your painting process, helping you build depth, tone, and structure before applying the final layers of color. But what exactly is underpainting, and do you need it in your artistic process? This article explores the concept, benefits, and practical uses of underpainting to help you decide if it fits your style.
What Is Underpainting?
Underpainting is the initial layer of paint applied to a canvas or panel, serving as a base for subsequent layers. It is usually done in a single color or limited palette, often in neutral or earth tones like burnt sienna, raw umber, or gray. This layer establishes the composition, values (light and dark areas), and sometimes the basic shapes of the subject.
Artists use underpainting to:
Define the overall structure of the painting
Establish tonal values before adding color
Create a guide for brushwork and detail placement
This technique dates back centuries and was used by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt to build complex, luminous paintings.
Different Types of Underpainting
There are several styles of underpainting, each with its own purpose and effect:
Grisaille
Grisaille is an underpainting done entirely in shades of gray. It focuses on value and form without the distraction of color. This method helps artists perfect the light and shadow before adding color layers.
Verdaccio
Verdaccio uses greenish-gray tones, often seen in Renaissance paintings. It helps neutralize skin tones and adds depth to flesh areas when color is applied on top.
Imprimatura
Imprimatura is a transparent wash of color applied over the entire canvas. It creates a warm or cool tone that influences the mood of the painting and unifies the colors.
Color Underpainting
Some artists use a monochromatic color related to the final palette, such as burnt sienna or ultramarine blue, to build the painting’s foundation.
Why Use Underpainting?
Underpainting offers several advantages that can improve your painting process and final result:
1. Establishes Strong Values
Painting is about light and shadow. Underpainting helps you focus on these values early, making it easier to create contrast and depth. When the values are right, the painting feels more realistic and three-dimensional.
2. Saves Time and Paint
By planning the composition and values first, you reduce the risk of mistakes later. This can save time and materials because you avoid overworking or repainting large areas.
3. Enhances Color Vibrancy
A well-chosen underpainting color can make the top layers of paint appear more vibrant. For example, a warm underpainting can make cool colors pop, and vice versa.
4. Adds Depth and Texture
Underpainting creates a textured base that interacts with subsequent layers. This interaction can add richness and complexity to the final work.
5. Guides Brushwork and Detail
With a clear underpainting, you know where to place details and highlights. It acts as a roadmap, reducing guesswork during the painting process.
When You Might Not Need Underpainting
While underpainting has many benefits, it is not essential for every artist or style. Here are some cases where you might skip it:
Direct painting or alla prima: Artists who paint wet-on-wet in one session often work without underpainting.
Abstract or expressive styles: These may rely more on spontaneous brushwork and color than on structured layers.
Digital painting: Some digital artists use different layering techniques that replace traditional underpainting.
Choosing whether to use underpainting depends on your goals, style, and workflow preferences.
How to Start with Underpainting
If you want to try underpainting, here are some practical steps:
Materials Needed
Canvas or panel
Acrylic or oil paint (choose a neutral or earth tone)
Brushes (flat and round)
Medium (if using oils, like linseed oil or a fast-drying medium)
Step-by-Step Process
Sketch your composition lightly on the canvas with pencil or charcoal.
Mix your underpainting color. Burnt sienna or raw umber are good starting points.
Apply a thin layer of paint to block in the main shapes and values.
Focus on light and shadow, not details.
Let the underpainting dry completely before adding color layers.
Build up color gradually, using the underpainting as a guide.
Tips for Success
Keep the underpainting thin and transparent to avoid cracking.
Use a limited palette to maintain focus on values.
Experiment with different colors for underpainting to see how they affect the final look.
Examples of Underpainting in Practice
Portrait Painting
In portraiture, underpainting helps capture the structure of the face and the play of light. A verdaccio underpainting can neutralize skin tones and create a lifelike effect when color is added.
Landscape Painting
Landscape artists use underpainting to establish the composition and atmospheric perspective. A warm imprimatura can give the painting a glowing effect, especially in sunrise or sunset scenes.
Still Life
Underpainting in still life helps define the shapes and shadows of objects, making it easier to build realistic textures and reflections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying underpainting too thickly, which can cause cracking.
Ignoring drying times, leading to muddy colors.
Over-detailing the underpainting instead of focusing on values.
Using underpainting colors that clash with the final palette.
Final Thoughts on Underpainting
Underpainting is a valuable technique that can strengthen your artistic process. It helps you plan your composition, control values, and add depth to your work. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, experimenting with underpainting can open new creative possibilities.
Try incorporating underpainting in your next project and observe how it changes your approach and results. You might find it becomes an essential part of your painting routine.
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