Underpainting is used for what purpose?

• A. It is a finishing glaze
• B. It is a technique used for oil and acrylic painting to create a base for a finished painting, lay out highlights and shadows; tonal underpainting is done with one color to establish the layout and tones before beginning the painting
• C. It is used only in watercolor
• D. It is used to mix colors on the palette

Answer: (B)

Underpainting creates a tonal map for the painting, establishing value relationships and form before color is added. In oil and acrylic work it’s typically a base layer laid out for the finished piece, often done in a single color to map highlights, shadows, and overall composition. This monochrome groundwork guides later color decisions, helps the painting read in terms of light and depth, and can make glazing later more effective. It isn’t a finishing glaze, it isn’t limited to watercolor, and it isn’t about mixing colors on the palette—it's about planning and structure before color.