The first layer of paint applied to a surface or canvas before subsequent colors and details are added is known as underpainting. An essential preliminary step in painting acts as a blueprint for artists by determining the composition, values, and tonal structure of their work. The use of a base layer with monochromatic or limited colors allows artists to concentrate on the depiction of light and shadow which results in increased depth and realism in their artwork. Underpainting served as a standard artistic approach throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods which artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt used to create their masterpieces. The artists employed underpainting techniques to construct form and volume which resulted in a three-dimensional effect in their artworks. Andrew Wyeth and Gerhard Richter among contemporary artists have used underpainting techniques to set the mood and atmosphere within their compositions. Underpainting helps artists improve their compositions while creating a solid base for future layers and producing a balanced mix of colors and values. This method enables artists to construct both visually compelling and unified pieces while providing opportunities to explore various texture layering techniques which enhance their paintings with depth and complexity.