Glossary of Art Terms: U-V

underpainting

This term usually refers to the method of oil painting where an initial layer of paint is applied creating a monochromatic image of the work. This provides the painter with several advantages. He has the opportunity to view the composition full-size and the ability to make adjustments fairly quickly without having to deal with color. Over this underpainting the work progresses with multiple layers of colored mid-tones along with transparent glazes and opaque highlights. The deep shadows are usually produced with several glazes creating powerful shadow effects.

vehicle

A visual arts term that refers to the fluid, like water or oil, that is mixed with pigments to produce paint.

virtuoso

Someone skilled in or having a taste for the fine arts, or someone who excels in the technique of an art, a master.