underpainting

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)An initial layer of paint, often monochromatic, applied to a ground as a base for subsequent layers.

   “He would start with a stenciled acrylic underpainting and finish by making marks with the chalk and charcoal shells.”

2. (countable, uncountable)A painting that the artist later painted over to create the final work.

   “At first they wouldn't believe him, but he gave them proof. X-ray the Adulteress, he told them, and you will find an underpainting. They did and found the underpainting van Meegeren had described.”

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of underpaint