Monochromatic Painting (Part 5)

Practice monochromatic palette in this art lesson: monochromatic painting (part 5).

🎨 Studio Brief #53

Paint a scene using only one color plus white and black to create tints (lighter) and shades (darker).

🎯 Your mission

Make a feeling with color, not a thing.

⚡ The twist

Use colors that don't 'go together'.

What you'll learn

Paint a scene using only one color plus white and black to create tints (lighter) and shades (darker). This teaches value without the distraction of multiple hues.

Get ready

Techniques you'll practise

monochromatic palettevalue paintingtints and shades

You will need

Water cups and paper towelsWatercolor paint setRound brushes (sizes 4-8)Watercolor paper

Step 1 of 4

Choose one color of paint. Mix 5 values: pure color, 2 lighter tints (add white), and 2 darker shades (add a tiny bit of black).

Step 2 of 4

Sketch a simple scene: a vase, a landscape, or a figure.

Step 3 of 4

Paint the lightest areas with your lightest tint and the darkest shadows with your darkest shade.

Step 4 of 4

Blend between values where they meet. The result will have a dramatic, unified mood.

Did you know?

🤯 Mind = Blown

🤯 The color we call 'blue' didn't have a name in many languages until very recently.

🌟 Artist Spotlight

🎨 Mark Rothko painted huge color blocks that made adults cry.

You did it!

Next: Dot Painting Inspired by Aboriginal Art (Part 5)All lessons

🎯

Next Smart Project

We'll pick an art project that matches exactly where your skills are right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you see this: Every brand, every poster, every video game — color was picked on purpose.

🏆 Try this week: Paint your feeling today — no shapes, just colors.

👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “Why did you pick those colors? What feeling were you going for?”

🎯Share card

Share this art project

Send it to a parent looking for a 15-minute screen-free creative win.

Monochromatic Painting (Part 5)

Techniques you'll practise

You will need

Next Smart Project

Share this art project

Monochromatic Painting (Part 5)

Done with art? Try something else

Your Cart (0)