underpainting

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Layer of colour applied to the ground (painting surface) before the application of the overpainting, or final coat. Underpainting may be a simple tint to colour the ground, or a blocked-out image of the composition in diluted oil paints, often in monochrome (one colour). The artist uses the underpainting as a guide while developing the composition, organization, and colour choices of the final piece.

Black, red, and green are known as the ‘black liberation’ colours, recalling Jamaican black activist Marcus Garvey. Taken from the arms of Nyasaland, the sun indicates the dawning of a new era. Effective date: 6 July 1964. >>