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 in which pigment is mixed and suspended 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.