Underpainting: Building the Foundation of a Masterpiece
Introduction
In the layered world of classical painting, what lies beneath the surface is often just as important as what meets the eye. One of the most fundamental—but frequently overlooked—techniques in the creation of traditional artworks is underpainting. This essential step acts as the backbone of a painting, helping to define form, establish tonal values, and guide the application of color.
Far from being a relic of the past, underpainting remains a vital part of the creative process for many contemporary artists. Whether you’re just beginning your artistic journey or are a seasoned painter looking to deepen your skills, understanding underpainting can transform the way you approach your canvas.
In this article, we’ll explore the rich history of underpainting, explain its purpose and execution, and examine how some of the world’s greatest artists used it to lay the groundwork for their masterpieces.
What is Underpainting?
Underpainting refers to the initial layer of paint applied to a canvas or panel that serves as a base for subsequent layers. Usually done in monochrome or limited color, this foundational step is used to sketch out the composition, establish lighting and tonal values, and prepare the surface for glazes and more detailed work.
Types of underpainting include:
Grisaille – A monochromatic underpainting done in shades of gray.
Verdaccio – A greenish-gray underpainting used to tone flesh in Renaissance art.
Imprimatura – A transparent toned ground that provides a middle value across the canvas.
Bistre – A brown-toned underpainting, often made using burnt wood or natural pigments.
Each method has its own unique advantages, depending on the artist’s goals and the desired final effect.
Why Use Underpainting?
Underpainting serves multiple purposes that contribute to the strength and depth of the final artwork:
Establishes Tonal Values – Before color is added, artists can focus on light and shadow, ensuring the composition is well-balanced.
Guides Composition – Underpainting helps artists lay out their design clearly and make adjustments early on.
Enhances Depth and Luminosity – When layered properly, glazes of color over a monochromatic base can create a glowing, three-dimensional effect.
Speeds Up Workflow – By solving visual problems early, the painting process becomes more efficient in later stages.
Adds Complexity – The underpainting can show through transparent layers of paint, enriching the final image with subtle variations.
Historical Use of Underpainting
Underpainting has roots that go back to antiquity, but it became a dominant method in European painting during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Master painters developed increasingly complex ways of layering paint, building up images gradually from dark to light.
Jan van Eyck (1390–1441)
Jan van Eyck, an early Netherlandish painter, was one of the first to master oil painting techniques that involved extensive underpainting. He often used a detailed underdrawing followed by grisaille to establish form and light.
Example:
The Arnolfini Portrait (1434) – The meticulous rendering of form and light reflects the use of a tonal underpainting.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Da Vinci used underpainting to explore the play of light on surfaces. He often employed sfumato in tandem with underpainting to build lifelike images with smooth transitions.
Example:
Virgin of the Rocks (1483–1486) – Beneath the subtle color layers lies a tonal underpainting that defines the complex lighting of the scene.
Caravaggio (1571–1610)
Known for his dramatic chiaroscuro, Caravaggio used dark underpaintings to establish a moody base upon which his striking light and color could stand out.
Example:
The Calling of Saint Matthew (1599–1600) – The shadows and dramatic lighting were likely plotted out in the early underpainting stages.
Titian (1488–1576)
Titian was a Venetian master who used vibrant color glazes over underpainting to achieve a glowing, atmospheric quality in his work.
Example:
Bacchus and Ariadne (1520–1523) – This masterpiece shows the depth and richness achieved through careful layering.
Rembrandt (1606–1669)
Rembrandt used underpainting not only to define form but also to create a sense of texture and movement. His impasto technique was often layered on top of a monochrome base.
Example:
The Night Watch (1642) – The figures were initially established in tonal underpaintings before being built up with light and color.
How to Create an Underpainting
Creating a successful underpainting involves several key steps. While the exact process can vary depending on style and medium, the general workflow is as follows:
1. Surface Preparation
Start with a properly primed canvas or panel. Many artists use gesso to create a smooth, absorbent surface.
2. Imprimatura (Toned Ground)
Apply a thin, transparent wash of color (commonly a warm earth tone like burnt sienna) to establish a middle tone. This layer helps unify the composition and reduce the starkness of white canvas.
3. Underdrawing
Sketch the basic outlines of your composition using charcoal, pencil, or a brush with diluted paint.
4. Block in Tonal Values
Using a limited palette (often just black, white, and an earth tone), begin shading in areas of light and dark. Focus on the overall shapes and contours without worrying about detail.
5. Refine the Form
Adjust the values and refine edges. Add more detail gradually, building up depth and contrast.
6. Let It Dry
Allow the underpainting to dry completely before applying further paint layers. This is particularly important if you plan to use glazing techniques.
Techniques and Tips for Underpainting
Use Fast-Drying Paints – Acrylics and fast-drying oils are often used for underpainting because they allow for quicker progression to upper layers.
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