The Underpainting Technique in Adobe Photoshop

The Underpainting Technique in Adobe Photoshop

In this presentation, you will explore an oil painting technique that has stood the test of time, used by Old Masters for centuries. This method begins with a basic CPA underpainting, which serves as a foundation for the artwork.

Following this, layers of color are added on top to create depth and richness. The speaker will demonstrate this technique through digital speedpaints, showing how you can apply it to your own work. The process starts with loose sketching to establish composition, followed by grayscale values to define forms and create a sense of distance. This approach emphasizes the importance of light and shadow in visualizing shapes. Additionally, the speaker discusses how to communicate scale effectively by using contrasting values and incorporating small figures for reference. Finally, color is introduced, allowing the underlying tones of the underpainting to shine through.

This technique not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds personality to the painting. You are encouraged to try this method in your own art, making it a valuable addition to your creative toolkit.

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

How to Use Color Average for Color Toning in Photoshop

Color average creates a unified color tone by analyzing all the colors in your image and calculating their mathematical average. This technique adds depth and cohesion to photos, composites, and AI-generated images by applying a subtle color wash that ties all elements together. The method works particularly well for composites...

How to Remove Complex Background Elements Using AI in Photoshop

Removing complex background elements like fencing or wire mesh has traditionally been one of the most time-consuming tasks in photo editing. New AI-powered tools in Photoshop can now eliminate these distracting elements while preserving fine details in your subject. This tutorial demonstrates two practical workflows: one using the latest Firefly...

How to Use Photoshop's Auto Layer Rename Feature

Messy layer names like "Layer 52 copy 4" and "Untitled 5" clutter your workspace and slow down complex projects. Photoshop's new auto-rename feature uses AI to automatically identify and name layers based on their content, from "Woman in yellow shirt" to "...

New Generative Fill Features in Photoshop Beta: Reference Images and Credit Tracking

Photoshop Beta introduces significant improvements to Generative Fill that address the most requested features from users. The updated interface now displays your generative credit balance and usage, while the new reference image capability lets you add up to eight specific images to guide AI generation with precise visual examples. These...

Essential Photoshop Tools for Beginners: Brush, Crop, and Move Tool Tutorial

Learning Photoshop tools feels overwhelming when you don't know where to start. This tutorial focuses on three essential tools that form the foundation of most Photoshop work: the brush tool for painting and retouching, the crop tool for resizing and straightening images, and the move tool for positioning...

How to Add Custom Textures to Photos in Photoshop

Adding textures to photographs can transform ordinary images into compelling artistic compositions. This technique uses multiple texture layers combined with strategic blending modes and color adjustments to create depth and visual interest. The process involves layering different texture types—color overlays, surface patterns, and lighting effects—then using masking techniques...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.