Compose your own still life to paint in watercolor with just one color!

Create Your Class Project:

Learn about the monochromatic style and explore the possibilities of what one color of paint could look like.
Choose your preferred color to explore.
Do the mini-projects to practice and become familiar with the process.
- Create a Swatch Chart/Cards in Navigating Color Choice with Charts
- Paint out a solid and gradient wash in Essential Watercolor Techniques: Applying Color
- Practice adding and removing value in Essential Watercolor Techniques: Adjusting Value
- Create a value scale in Value Scales
Shop your space and combine some interesting objects into a still life.
Refine your composition sketching from life, or take some reference photos to use.
My reference photo is available if you find yourself stuck for props but I encourage you to try creating your own as it's much more fun!
Paint your still-life using your color of choice by working in value ranges!
Share your still-life and any of the mini projects to the Project Gallery!

Tips to make your project shine:

Don't skip the value scale! This is key to understanding your color’s range of depth. Know how dark to go and when.
Think about textures, values, and shapes when choosing your still life components. How do they play together when color is subtracted?
Make sure your still-life is interesting TO YOU! Don't feel pressured to use what I'm using, and pass on subjects that you think should be in a "good" still-life. Instead choose subjects that speak to your own eye, as that personal connection will show in your painting results.
Practice using some thumbnails. How do you see your still-life transitioning to paper?
- Where's the focus?
- Is there background elements to leave out/include?
- Does the arrangement of different values draw you in or leave you disinterested? Try rearranging or swapping out objects if too many close values are grouped together.
- How will your color express the mood? Do you need to revisit your color choice?
- For more on using thumbnails to explore during practice check out my first Skillshare class, Problem Solving in Your Sketchbook.
Squint, step back, or take a photo. Remember watercolor dries lighter. Frequently create space between you and the painting and evaluate your values. Go back to your value scale and skill practice to work on achieving your desired value range.
Don't be afraid to start over or try this multiple times! I've found that a second or third attempt will produce better results faster and with less frustration than fussing with a failed piece.

I'm excited to seeing how you make monochromatic art your own and I can't wait to see what you post in the Project Gallery!

Nicholasa Mancilla

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