imprimatura

In painting, the distinct term "imprimatura" is used of an underlying coat of paint.

This local imprimatura, used in preparation for specific areas of the painting, was also practiced by Vermeer, and its purpose is not fully understood.

The term imprimatura should not be mixed up with the term imprimatur, a term used in editing.

Underdrawing is the drawing done on a painting ground before paint is applied, for example, an imprimatura or an underpainting.

An imprimatura is usually made with an earth color, such as raw sienna, and is often diluted with turpentine.

Care is taken not to cover the imprimatura completely allowing it to show through the final paint layers, this is effective in particular in the middle to dark shadow areas of the work.

The imprimatura provides not only an overall tonal optical unity in a painting but is also useful in the initial stages of the work, since it helps the painter establish value relations from dark to light.