underpaint

Verb

underpaint (third-person singular simple present underpaints, present participle underpainting, simple past and past participle underpainted)

1. To rough in the colors of a painted work of art, prior to painting the final version.
   • The underpainting should be neutral and preferably cool in color. Positive colors may be underpainted with shaded tints of the full color. This is especially true of blues and reds because the oil glazes darken or fade. Reds are best underpainted with vermillion or cadmium.1939, John Sloan, “Painting”, in Gist of Art, New York, N.Y.: American Artists Group, Inc., page 136
   • Fidelman underpaints the canvas and after it is dry begins the figure of Venus as the conspirators look on sucking their breaths.1969, Bernard Malamud, Pictures of Fidelman: An Exhibition, New York, N.Y.: Dell Publishing Co., Inc., published 1970, page 84