Glossary of Art Terms - U

Ubiquitous Gaze

A phenomenon where the artist has used this technique to position the eyes of a portrait in such a way that the viewer experiences the eyes following them. (I.E. "Mona Lisa" by DaVinci). The same technique is used in Trompe l' Oeil paintings whereas a protruding shelf edge seems to move from side to side with the movement of the viewer. The technique is one of many "tricks" that the well equipped Trompe l' Oeil Artist uses to bend the rules of logic and manipulates what our "Minds Eye" sees. Is it real or is it painted?

Underdrawing

Any drawing done prior to further layered work.

Underpainting

The traditional stage in oil painting of using a monochrome or dead colour as a base for composition. Also known as laying in.