Using Underpainting Techniques in Oil Painting

Do you ever feel like your oil paintings lack depth and dimension? Are you struggling to create a layered and complex composition? Using underpainting techniques in oil painting can take your artwork to the next level.

Underpainting involves creating an initial layer of paint on the canvas before adding details and color. This technique has been used by artists for centuries, from the Renaissance masters to contemporary painters. By building up layers of transparent or opaque paint, underpainting creates a sense of depth and luminosity that cannot be achieved with a single layer of color.

But where do you start with underpainting? What materials do you need? And how can you incorporate this technique into your own artistic style? In this article, we’ll explore the basics of underpainting techniques in oil painting, including different approaches to sketching out your composition, choosing colors for your initial layers, and building up multiple layers for a rich and dynamic result. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter looking to expand your skills, underpainting can transform your artwork and elevate it to new heights.

Understanding Underpainting in Oil Painting and Its Importance

Underpainting is an essential technique in oil painting that involves the application of a preliminary layer of paint on a canvas or panel before the final layers are added. This technique has been used by artists for centuries to create depth, texture, and luminosity in their paintings.

The primary purpose of underpainting is to establish the tonal values and color relationships in a painting. It allows artists to work out the composition, lighting, and overall mood of their artwork before they start adding details. The underpainting also provides a foundation for subsequent layers of paint, allowing them to adhere better to the surface and create a more cohesive finished product.

Another advantage of using underpainting is that it can help speed up the painting process. By establishing the basic structure of a painting at the outset, artists can focus on adding details and refining their work rather than making major changes to the composition later on.

The Importance of Underpainting Techniques

There are several reasons why underpainting techniques are important in oil painting. Here are some key benefits:

– Establishes tonal values: The initial layer of paint helps set the tonal values for different areas of a painting, making it easier for artists to create contrast and depth.
– Creates luminosity: Underpainting can help create luminosity by allowing light to reflect off multiple layers of paint.
– Helps with color harmony: By establishing an initial color scheme, underpainting can help ensure that all subsequent layers work together harmoniously.
– Speeds up painting process: By mapping out basic elements early on, such as composition and lighting, artists can save time down the line by avoiding major revisions.

Examples of Famous Paintings with Underpaintings

Some well-known paintings that utilized underpaintings include:

– “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt
– “Las Meninas” by Diego Velázquez
– “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer

Each of these artists used underpainting techniques to create depth, texture, and luminosity in their work.

Different Types of Underpainting Techniques Used in Oil Painting

There are several different types of underpainting techniques that artists can use in oil painting. Each has its own unique characteristics and advantages depending on the artist’s goals and style.

Grayscale Underpainting

A grayscale underpainting involves creating a monochromatic image using black, white, and shades of gray. This technique is beneficial for establishing tonal values and contrast early on in the painting process. It can be especially useful for artists who prefer to work from dark to light or those who want to create a dramatic effect.

Color Wash Underpainting

A color wash underpainting involves applying thin layers of transparent paint over a white or toned surface. This technique is excellent for establishing an overall color scheme early on in the painting process. It can also help create luminosity and depth by allowing light to reflect off multiple layers of paint.

Imprimatura Underpainting

An imprimatura underpainting involves applying a thin layer of paint over a white or toned surface before sketching out the composition with charcoal or pencil. This technique can help establish an overall tone for the painting while providing enough translucency for subsequent layers to adhere well.

Benefits of Different Types of Underpainting Techniques

Each type of underpainting has its benefits:

– Grayscale: Beneficial for creating strong tonal values and contrast.
– Color wash: Helpful for establishing an overall color scheme early on.
– Imprimatura: Can provide an initial tone for the painting while allowing subsequent layers to adhere well.

Choosing the Right Color for an Underpainting: Tips and Tricks

Choosing the right color for an underpainting is critical in oil painting. The color you choose will affect the overall mood, luminosity, and harmony of your finished product. Here are some tips and tricks to help you choose the right color:

– Consider your subject matter: If you’re painting a landscape, you might want to choose a green or blue underpainting to establish an overall tone. If you’re painting a portrait, consider using flesh tones or a neutral gray.
– Think about the mood: The color you choose for your underpainting will set the mood for your painting. For example, warm colors like red or orange can create a sense of warmth or energy, while cool colors like blue or green can create a more calming effect.
– Experiment with different colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors until you find one that works well with your subject matter and style.

Tips for Using Complementary Colors in Underpaintings

Using complementary colors in underpaintings can be especially effective in creating depth and luminosity. Here are some tips:

– Use complementary colors sparingly: Too much of one complementary color can overpower the other and create an unbalanced effect.
– Apply layers of paint thinly: Applying thin layers of paint allows light to reflect off multiple surfaces, creating a sense of depth and luminosity.
– Be mindful of color temperature: Complementary colors have opposite temperatures (i.e., warm vs. cool), so be mindful of how they interact with each other.

Best Surfaces for Underpainting Techniques in Oil Painting

The surface you choose for your underpainting can affect how well subsequent layers adhere to it and how visible it is in the finished product. Here are some surfaces that work well for underpainting techniques in oil painting:

– Canvas: Canvas is an excellent surface for underpainting because it is absorbent and can hold multiple layers of paint. It also provides a good amount of tooth (texture) for subsequent layers to adhere to.
– Masonite: Masonite is another good surface for underpainting because it is smooth and durable. It’s also less susceptible to warping than canvas.
– Wood panel: Wood panel is an excellent choice for artists who want a hard, smooth surface for their underpainting. However, it can be more challenging to prepare than other surfaces.

Preparing Surfaces for Underpainting

Regardless of the surface you choose, it’s crucial to prepare it properly before applying your underpainting. Here are some tips:

– Clean the surface: Make sure there is no dust or debris on the surface before you start painting.
– Apply a ground layer: Applying a ground layer (such as gesso) can help create a smooth, even surface for your underpainting.
– Prime the surface: If you’re using wood panel or another porous surface, consider priming it with shellac or another sealer to prevent subsequent layers from being absorbed too quickly.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Using Underpainting Techniques in Oil Painting

While underpainting can be an effective technique in oil painting, there are some common mistakes that artists should avoid:

– Applying too much paint: Applying too much paint in the underpainting stage can make subsequent layers difficult to apply and blend.
– Not letting layers dry fully: Allowing each layer of paint to dry fully before adding subsequent layers is critical in oil painting. Failing to do so can result in muddied colors and poor adhesion.
– Choosing the wrong color temperature: Choosing a color that clashes with subsequent layers can ruin the overall harmony of your painting.
– Overworking the underpainting: Overworking the underpainting can lead to a loss of translucency and depth.

How to Fix Mistakes in Underpaintings

If you make a mistake in your underpainting, don’t panic! Here are some tips for fixing common mistakes:

– Allow the paint to dry fully: Trying to fix a mistake while the paint is still wet can make it worse.
– Scrape off excess paint: Use a palette knife or scraper to remove excess paint from the surface.
– Sand down rough areas: If you have rough areas on your surface, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth them out before applying subsequent layers.

The Impact of Underpainting on the Final Appearance of a Painting

The impact of underpainting on the final appearance of a painting cannot be overstated. A well-executed underpainting can create depth, texture, and luminosity that would be difficult (if not impossible) to achieve with subsequent layers alone. It can also help establish tonal values, color relationships, and mood early on in the painting process.

Of course, not all artists choose to use underpainting techniques in their work. Some prefer to work more intuitively, adding layers as they go without an initial plan. However, for those who want to create detailed, nuanced paintings with a strong sense of composition and lighting, underpainting is an essential technique.

Examples of How Underpainting Can Impact Final Appearance

Here are some examples of how underpainting can impact the final appearance of a painting:

– The luminosity in Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” was achieved through several layers of transparent glazes over a monochromatic underpainting.
– Rembrandt’s dark and moody “The Night Watch” was achieved through a complex underpainting process that included multiple layers of glazing and scumbling.
– Diego Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” uses a warm, monochromatic underpainting to create depth and luminosity in the final product.

Famous Artists Who Have Used Underpainting Techniques in Their Work

As mentioned earlier, underpainting is a technique that has been used by artists for centuries. Here are some famous artists who have used this technique in their work:

– Rembrandt: Known for his complex and layered paintings, Rembrandt used underpainting extensively to create depth and texture in his work.
– Johannes Vermeer: Vermeer’s use of transparent glazes over monochromatic underpaintings is one reason why his paintings are so luminous.
– Diego Velázquez: Velázquez’s warm, monochromatic underpaintings helped create depth and richness in his portraits.

Modern Artists Using Underpainting Techniques

Underpainting techniques are not just for old masters! Many contemporary artists also use this technique to create detailed, nuanced works of art. Some examples include:

– David Kassan: Kassan is known for his hyperrealistic portraits that often utilize an imprimatura or grayscale underpainting.
– Alyssa Monks: Monks’ paintings often feature a color wash or imprimatura underpainting that helps establish an overall mood for the painting.
– Jeremy Lipking: Lipking’s landscapes often utilize a grayscale underpainting to establish strong tonal values early on in the painting process.

Using Underpainting Techniques with Other Mediums Besides Oil Paint

While we’ve focused primarily on oil painting in this article, it’s worth noting that underpainting techniques can be used with other mediums as well. Here are some examples:

– Acrylic painting: Acrylic paint dries quickly, making it a good choice for artists who want to work rapidly. However, this also means that underpainting techniques need to be adapted to accommodate the fast-drying nature of acrylics.
– Watercolor painting: Watercolor is a transparent medium that can create luminosity similar to oil paintings. Underpainting in watercolor involves building up layers of color gradually and allowing time for each layer to dry fully before adding subsequent layers.
– Pastel drawing: Underpainting in pastel drawing involves applying a thin layer of pastel or charcoal over the surface before adding subsequent layers.

Benefits and Challenges of Using Underpainting Techniques with Other Mediums

While using underpainting techniques with other mediums can offer benefits like increased luminosity and depth, there are also some challenges. Here are some things to keep in mind:

– Fast-drying mediums like acrylic require rapid application and blending of subsequent layers.
– Transparent mediums like watercolor require careful layering and planning to achieve a strong sense of composition.
– Soft pastels can be difficult to apply over an initial layer without smudging or blending the colors too much.

In conclusion, the underpainting technique in oil painting is a valuable tool that can enhance the depth and vibrancy of your artwork. By applying an initial layer of color and value, you can create a foundation for your painting that will allow you to build upon it with greater precision and control. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, incorporating underpainting techniques into your practice can help you achieve stunning results in your oil paintings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Using Underpainting Techniques in Oil Painting

How to do an underpainting for oil painting?
I use oil paint for all of my paintings, and begin each one with a transparent layer of raw umber. This is applied thinly and evenly over the entire canvas surface, and is then used as a base for drawing the figure using a brush.

What is the best technique for underpainting?
When creating an underpainting, it’s recommended to begin by diluting your paint with a solvent which will make the color lighter. This allows for easier blending with subsequent layers of paint as you add more details.

What is the best underpainting for oil?
Transparent Earth Red, Yellow Ochre, Raw Umber, and Titanium White are ideal colors for this particular technique. These earthy tones are commonly used for underpainting in oil paint due to their fast drying time, thanks to their iron content, and their matte finish, which is a result of their large particle size.

What are the best colors for underpainting?
The underpainting technique involves using darker colors like burnt sienna, raw umber, or ultramarine blue for better results in artwork. Lighter colors such as yellow are less effective in achieving greater values in a painting.

What is the best medium for underpainting oil paint?
When it comes to underpainting mediums, the most reliable options are based on ingredients that are less likely to degrade, such as those made from whiting chalk and linseed oil. Among these, calcite mediums are especially noteworthy for their quick drying time, matte finish, and slightly rough texture.

What are the different types of oil underpainting?
Underpainting can be classified into various types, including veneda, verdaccio, morellone, imprimatura, and grisaille, each with distinct colorations. Grisaille is characterized by a plain grey hue, while verdaccio has a greyish-yellow or greenish tint that emphasizes brighter tones.