Monocromatic/Limited Palette Painting

Monchromatic Painting, Warm/Cool, and Limited Palette Painting

In the second major stage of the curriculum students are introduced to the world of painting. Because of the complexity of methods and materials of oil painting, students begin by working in Grisaille, or in two colors of ‘black and white’. By working monochromatically students are able to learn to apply the knowledge gained through drawing into painting without having to juggle issues of color.

Students initially mix batches of paint corresponding to a standard 9 value scale from white to black, and make their own tubes of paint. After completing major project milestones such as the ‘master cast painting’, students begin to enter the realm of color by learning to work with warm/cool relationships. The heart of achieving convincing color relationships, even when working with a full palette of colors, lies within executing successful color temperature changes. By using only 3 colors initially, students learn to see in terms of color temperature relationships rather then just local color.

After establishing a firm grasp with warm/cool relationships, students expand their range and work with a traditional ‘Velazquez’ 6 color palette . Students discover in this stage how the careful use of these few paints can create paintings full of life and color.

Below is a list of key subjects covered in this section of the curriculum, supplimented with visual samples (click any thumbnail to enlarge):

-Painting Materials and Mediums I