An underpainting is a crucial step in the painting process, often overlooked by many, yet its significance cannot be overstated.
This initial layer of color meticulously applied to the canvas or paper sets the tone and establishes the overall mood of the artwork. Artists use the underpainting to map out the composition, define the values, and establish the basic color scheme before delving into the finer details.
The underpainting technique has been employed by artists for centuries, with each painter developing their unique approach to this foundational layer.
Some artists opt for a monochromatic underpainting, using shades of a single color to establish the tonal values and create depth in the painting. Others may choose a more colorful underpainting, laying down a vibrant base that will subtly peek through the subsequent layers, adding richness and complexity to the final piece.
Beyond its technical aspects, the underpainting also plays a psychological role for the artist.
It is a moment of contemplation and planning, a quiet phase where the artist visualizes the final artwork and hones in on the emotions they wish to convey. The underpainting stage allows for experimentation and exploration, providing a solid foundation upon which the artist can build and refine their vision.
In essence, the underpainting is the unsung hero of the painting process, quietly laying the groundwork for the masterpiece that is yet to come.
A testament to the artist's skill and foresight.
Snapshot on why artists use underpainting for various purposes:
Value Mapping: Underpainting helps establish the overall tonal values (lights and darks) of the composition. It acts as a guide for subsequent layers.
Color Harmony: By choosing an underpainting color that complements the final color scheme, artists create a harmonious overall effect.
Texture and Surface Preparation: Underpainting can provide texture or prepare a smooth surface for subsequent layers.
Common underpainting techniques include:
Monochromatic Underpainting: Using a single color (often a neutral gray or warm brown) to map out values.
Complementary Underpainting: Using the color opposite (complementary) to the dominant color in the final painting. For example, a red underpainting for a green landscape.
Local Color Underpainting: Applying the local color (the actual color of the subject) in a diluted form.
Imprimatura: A thin, transparent layer of warm or cool color applied to the entire canvas.
Toned Surface:
Toned surface refers to paper or canvas that has been intentionally colored or stained before starting the artwork.
Benefits of using toned surfaces:
Enhanced Atmosphere: The surface's tone influences the overall mood of the artwork. Warm tones (such as sepia or ochre) create a cozy, nostalgic feel, while cool tones (like blue-gray) evoke calmness.
Immediate Value Context: When you paint on toned surfaces, you’re already working within a specific value range. Light colors appear against a darker background, and dark colors stand out.
Efficiency: Toned surfaces allows you to skip the initial white canvas stage, making it easier to judge color relationships.
Color Harmony: The surface's tone interacts with the paint colors, subtly affecting their appearance. For instance, warm colors may warm up skin tones.
Soft Edges: Toned surfaces can create soft, blended edges, especially when using transparent watercolors or colored pencils.
Working with Light and Dark Colors:
On toned surfaces, light colors (highlights) are achieved by leaving areas untouched, allowing the paper tone to show through.
Dark colors (shadows) are painted over the toned surface. These shadows appear richer and more vibrant due to the contrast with the underlying tone.
Artists can exploit this interplay to create depth, volume, and luminosity from the outset.
For example, if you’re painting a portrait, the shadowed side of the face can be directly painted on the toned paper, while the highlights remain untouched.
In conclusion, the use of underpainting and toned surfaces is not just a practical consideration for artists; it is a powerful means of elevating their work to new levels of sophistication and expression. By incorporating these techniques into their practice, artists can enhance the visual impact of their artwork, infuse it with depth and emotion, and ultimately create more compelling and captivating pieces that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
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