Détremper

Détremper is a term used in art, particularly in oil painting, to refer to the initial layer of color applied to a canvas. This layer is often thin and diluted, serving as a foundation for subsequent applications of paint. The purpose of a détremper is to establish the overall tone, composition, and general color scheme of the artwork before more detailed work is undertaken. It is typically applied with a significant amount of solvent, such as turpentine or mineral spirits, which allows the paint to spread thinly and dry quickly. This rapid drying time is crucial, as it prevents the wet paint from mixing unpredictably with the solvent and allows the artist to proceed with the next stage of painting without smudging or disturbing the initial layer. The détremper can also be used to block in large areas of color or to create a tonal underpainting that influences the final appearance of the painting. Some artists also use the term to describe a preliminary sketch in color directly onto the canvas, even if it is not particularly thin.