Exploring Value Through Monochromatic Oil Portraits
Adult Class | Registration opens 8/4/2026 9:00 AM MDT
Explore the form and value of portrait painting through monochromatic oil painting. We will start day one with various charcoal drawing studies of portrait photographs to best understand the range of value found in the facial structure. We will then begin using oil paints to choose one base color and apply those value studies to our monochromatic portrait paintings. We will complete up to 4 small value paintings using a true monochromatic scale, but we will also explore how complimentary colors can inform the value of pseudo-monochromatic value range as well.
- Please purchase 2-4 wooden painting panels, canvases, or canvas boards that are between 8x10 inches and 12x16 inches.
Oil Brushes (must be specifically for oil paint):
#0 #1 Round Brushes
#1 #2 #4 #6 Filbert Brushes
#8 Flat Brush
Note: You could probably get by with a #1 Round Brush and a #2 and #6 Filbert Brush if you must.
Oil Paints (Not all are created equally! I prefer Gamblin):
Napthol or Cadmium Red
Hansa or Cadmium Yellow
Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Umber
Ivory Black
Titanium White (I find you should always buy the big tube)
Mineral Spirits:
ONLY Winsor&Newton Sansodor or Gamblin Gamsol
Brush Washer Jar
Medium:
Gamblin Galkyd Gel
Palette Knife for mixing paint
Palette with a lid of your choosing
Paper Towels or Rags
Disposable Gloves
Sketch Pad
Charcoal
Kneaded Eraser & Hard Eraser