Term: Dead Coloring

"Dead coloring" is a term used by the old masters of the Renaissance and Baroque eras to describe the first layer of paint (or underpainting as it is called today). The ini­tial layer was done in monochrome or reduced color (also called a grisaille). The lack of color probably explains the use of the word "dead". With this method, you fix the tonal relationships and composition before additional layers of paint are applied to give color and texture. This traditional painting method is in direct contrast with the more modern alla prima method of painting.