underpainting
/ˈʌndərˌpeɪntɪŋ/
noun
- A layer of paint applied to a canvas or surface as a base for later layers of color.
- Before adding the bright colors, she completed the underpainting in brown tones.
- The underpainting helps the final painting look more vibrant and rich.
- The artist used a gray underpainting to create depth in the portrait.