Understanding Monochromatic Painting

Many people seem to think that any painter should paint in a variety of colors, when in actuality, an eye popping painting can be done in a single color with varying hues. This type of painting is known as monochromatic painting. Whether one chooses to paint with oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, ink or pastels, the overall result will be a stunning work of art. Determining which base color to use may be the ultimate challenge. Choosing to paint such a painting is a challenge, and it may be more appealing to one's audience over the fanciful colored painting most are so much accustomed to.

Sepia paintings are the most common monochromatic type of paintings because of the richness it provides a room lacking of color. This is also a popular camera featured color for antiquing a photograph. As with most colors, a dab of the color opposite the color wheel should darken the chosen color. Therefore, a very tiny bit of blue will darken the sepia tone. This can be tricky as you could instantly take the hue range up to black. Much practice is needed for first-time painters.

Other colors are very similar in changing their hues simply by adding white or darkening them with opposing colors. Set up your palette with your main color being in the mid range of the hues. Three other hues in each direction should be all one needs to have for this color range. Too many variances become more of a nuisance in maintaining the range of colors. You would need to be accurate in duplicating those particular hues if you ran out before the painting is done. Remember the all-time simple rule of "KISS" - keep it simple stupid.

Unless you are endeavoring to become a great artist who masters the monochromatic way of painting, keep it simplistic in the color range. An example with ink would be to have no more than two ceramic flower palettes of varying hues. Another helpful hint is to try not to have too many brushes involved in the painting. Determine which brushes are absolutely necessary is a good practice. Sure, it is okay to add to the tools, but overworking may not be your advantage for the end result. Once you have these few rules set up in your mind your painting will almost leap off the paper or canvas as you come to a finish.