Layer of colour applied to the ground (painting surface) before the application of the
overpainting, or final coat. Underpainting may be a simple tint to colour the ground, or a blocked-out image of the composition in diluted oil paints, often in monochrome (one colour). The artist uses the underpainting as a guide while developing the composition, organization, and colour choices of the final piece.
© RM 2012. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.