Lassie Project Update:

Today I reapplied a layer of under painting. 

What is under painting? An under painting is an thin layer of paint applied as a base for the following subsequent layers of paint. Under painting is sometimes monochromatic and there are several ways to use the technique to define color values for later layers. 

Example of verdaille painting

Originally, verdaccio became an integral part of fresco painting, in which the color is used for defining tonal values, forming a complete monochromatic under painting. Terms of painting in utilizing this style of underpainting are grisaille-shades of grey, brunaille-shades of brown and verdaille-shades of green. 

Example of brunaille painting

Under painting gets its name because it is painting that is intended to be painted over, in a system of working in layers.  A multi-color underpainting was thought to be more useful by artists such as Giotto, as well as by Jan van Eyck. This technique was pioneered by Titian in the High Renaissance period. 

The colors of the underpainting can be optically mingled (meaning you can see the under painting color through or along side the subsequent overpainting), without the danger of the colors physically blending and becoming muddy. If the under painting technique is done properly, it assists and enhances the over painting layers of color, deepening and enriching the image and the viewers experience. 

Lassie underpainting reapplied in complementary colors oils

Peace,