Underpainting

Discover it’s importance in oil painting. Learn the what, why and how of it here.

What is Underpainting?

In underpainting you first apply a thin layer of oil paint to the canvas before adding additional layers. Normally, it is done monochromatic, using a single color.

Why Use an Underpainting?

Correct tonal relationships are necessary to create a realistic painting. The canvas is a 2D surface - so you need to be able to create a 3D illusion on a 2D surface. How do you do that?

Think of it like this.

If you were to click a picture of your painting and turn it into grayscale (black & white) – and it would still appear realistic and three-dimensional, then consider it that you’re going in the right direction.

Underpainting will allow you to define which areas are light and which are dark, focusing solely on tonal values without distraction from color.

How to Create an Underpainting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Canvas - toned with thinned ivory black oil paint

• Burnt sienna oil paint.

• Paint thinner.

• A size two bristle brush.

• Cloth rag

Step 2: Sketch the Composition

Lightly sketch out the major compositional lines using a thin wash of diluted paint.

Step 3: Establish Values and Shapes

Identify the lightest and darkest areas of the composition, using darker tones to mark shadow regions.

Step 4: Introduce Contrast and Model Forms

Add more thinned paint to darken shadow shapes further. Then, by rubbing out and removing some amount of paint with a cloth, introduce contrast and softness, especially in the lighter masses – this enhances the painting's 3D illusion.

Step 5: Allow to Dry

Once done, it needs to dry completely. Let it dry overnight.

Step 6: Layer Over the Underpainting

Now start working with color layers. Use the established tonal values and shapes as a reference, and build upon the foundation already created.

Go to the gallery to see an enlarged version of the finished painting

Ready to experiment with underpainting? Gather your materials and follow these steps to create your own stunning masterpiece!