Is It Important to Do Underpainting?

If you're currently into doing acrylic painting, one of the basic things your art teacher taught you to do is underpainting. 

Underpainting may be deemed as an "unnecessary" first step to your artwork, but it is very essential if you want to get things done right. 

What is underpainting?

​In essence, underpainting is a method of creating an outline on your canvas. Done often in opposing color, underpainting can help add depth to your work even if it won't be directly visible once you're done with your work. Below is an example of an underpainting. 

An underpainting serves these primary functions: 1) it creates texture and builds on the canvas, 2) it gives your final artwork some visual impact and 3) it gives you an idea whether all the different elements of your artwork are balanced. 

​Some artists see it as an optional step, but if you want to produce realistic colors and create a believable light source, underpainting is a step you should not miss. 

Develop contrast and color values

As the outline or first layer of paint applied to a canvas, underpainting allows you to build contrast and tonal values in your artwork. 

The process is simple, but you'd be surprised on the major effects it can have on the rest of your painting. 

For instance, if you want to create an illusion of wintertime coldness in your artwork, a blue toned underpainting is best to apply. Likewise, if you're painting a desert scene, a yellow-red toned underpainting will create the feeling of a warm climate. 

Using purple toned underpainting is helpful in creating warm layers or for making shadows. 

​So, to answer the question "is underpainting important", the answer is a big YES! Use it correctly and you'll be uniting color values and infuse tonal dominance in your artwork like a pro!

Some handy underpainting tips

When doing an underpainting, the best way to start is to thin your paint. You can do this by adding a bit of thinner like turpentine. It will thin out the pigment of your paint and make it easier to blend with other layers of paint. Thinners must be applied very lightly to prevent the outer layers from cracking or peeling. 

​Choose your paint wisely too for your underpainting. A poor choice in paint can make your overall artwork muddy and unruly. Make sure it is paint that mixes well and has a high pigment load. 

Learn more about underpainting and acrylic painting at Art Smart

Not only will we teach you how to do underpainting correctly, we'll also show you the wonderful world of doing acrylic painting on canvas. We follow a strict 1 teacher: 2 student ratio to ensure you do it right! Below is our art class schedule for 2017 for your reference.

12 one-hour sessions
Marikina near Eastwood :  MWF *9/10/11
Shaw: MWF 2/3/4/5*PM
Batch 2: Apr24-May24
Batch 3: May 29-June 26

8 sessions of 1.5 hours
Shaw : TTh9-10:30& 10:30-12
Mkna near Eastwood:2-3:30&3:30-5PM
Batch 2: Apr 25-May 18
Batch 3: May 30-June 22

SATURDAYS  (once a week schedule)
You may do 1 or 2 hours
Marikina: 9/10/11 am
Shaw: 2/3/4pm
(No class on June 12)

​To enroll or for any inquiries you may have, please call us at ​0917-8784766 / 02 -6160305 / 0915-5948191 / 0995-260 8927. See you all soon in our studios!

Photo sources:
http://www.artopiamagazine.com/artopia-magazine/make-your-paintings-pop-with-grisaille-and-underpainting
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/blog/underpainting-why-you-need-to-do-it/