Day 13 – Monochrome Texture Study

One Color, All the Drama

Technique level: Basic
Duration: ~30 minutes

Objective:
Explore a full value range (light to dark) using just one pigment. You’ll paint a walnut, acorn, or seed pod, focusing on light, form, and texture – without the distraction of color choices. This is about shapes, shadows, and detail, pure and simple.

Materials:

• Cold press or hot press paper
• One pigment only (suggestions below)
• Round brush (size 6 or so) and a detail brush
• Suggested pigments: Burnt Umber, Sepia, Indigo, Payne’s Grey, or any favorite neutral

Steps:

1. Choose and Sketch:
   Pick a subject with a textured surface and clear shape – a walnut, acorn, or spiky seed pod.
   Lightly sketch the form. Try to define planes or major shadow shapes to guide your washes later.
2. Create a Value Scale (Optional but Helpful):
   On a scrap piece, swatch a quick gradient of your chosen pigment – from barely-there pale to rich, saturated dark. Keep this nearby as a reference while painting.
3. Start with the Lightest Wash:
   Block in the whole object with a very light wash – barely tinted water. This establishes your base tone.
4. Layer Midtones:
   Once dry, begin layering mid-values into the shadow sides or deeper crevices. Work slowly and build up in translucent glazes. Let dry between layers.
5. Add the Darks:
   Now punch in the darkest shadows and textured areas (creases in the shell, seed pod ridges, the stem, or the base). Use the tip of a small brush and confident strokes.
6. Optional Texture Tricks:
   • Use a dry brush or stippling to add roughness or speckled texture.
   • Blot with a tissue to lift light spots if needed.
   • For sharp detail, let the final layers dry fully and add crisp, dark accents.

Focus:

• Really push the full value range – from delicate lights to bold shadows.
• Train your eye to see contrast and form without relying on color.
• Keep edges varied: hard in the focal point, soft in the shadows or outer edges.

Bonus Prompt:
Try doing this exercise again in a different neutral color. Compare how Burnt Umber feels warm and earthy, while Indigo feels cool and moody – even with the same subject.