Underpaintings
Underpaintings refer to the initial layer of paint applied to a canvas or surface before adding additional layers of paint. This foundational layer helps establish the overall composition, values, and color scheme of the artwork. Underpaintings are often created using a monochromatic color or a limited color palette to establish the tonal values and structure of the final painting. This technique dates back to the Renaissance period and is still used by artists today to create depth and complexity in their paintings.