Monochrome Painting Study in One Color
Paint an entire picture using only one color mixed with white and black — learning how value changes create depth and dimension.
What You'll Need
- 1Acrylic paint in one color plus white and black
- 2Canvas or thick paper
- 3Palette or paper plate for mixing
- 4Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- 5Cup of water
- 6Paper towels
What You'll Need
Acrylic paint in one color of your choice, plus white and black
Canvas board or thick paper
A palette or paper plate for mixing
Paintbrushes in various sizes
Cup of water
Paper towels
How to Play
Choose one color of acrylic paint. Blue is a great choice for a first monochrome study because it naturally suggests mood and atmosphere.
On your palette, mix five values of this one color: pure hue, light tint (color plus white), medium tint, medium shade (color plus small amount of black), and dark shade.
Set up a simple subject — a still life with two objects, a landscape photo, or a view through a window.
Start painting the lightest areas first using the lightest tint. Then work toward the middle values and darks.
Paint the entire composition using only these five values. No other colors allowed. The discipline is the point.
Let each layer dry before adding the next. Acrylics dry fast, so this goes quickly.
Step back frequently and squint at the painting. Does it read clearly as a scene with depth? If an area is confusing, adjust the values — make shadows darker, highlights lighter.
Tips
Monochrome painting strips away the distraction of color mixing and forces you to focus purely on value — light versus dark. This is the foundation of all realistic painting.
Mix your five values before you start painting and keep them consistent. Mixing new values mid-painting leads to inconsistency.
The pure hue (middle value) is your most-used color. The lightest and darkest values should be used sparingly for highlights and deep shadows.
This exercise reveals how much depth and drama a single color can create. Some of the most powerful paintings in art history are essentially monochromatic.
Try the same subject in different monochrome colors — blue feels cold and atmospheric, red feels intense and dramatic, green feels natural and calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 45 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: acrylic paint in one color plus white and black, canvas or thick paper, palette or paper plate for mixing, paintbrushes (various sizes), cup of water, and 1 more item.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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