Recently I wondered what a monochromatic mixed media sketchbook might look like, containing explorations of line and shape but exclusively using tone instead of colour. I figured there was only one way to find out.
I’ve made a sketchbook, about 10″ square, including black and white papers of various thicknesses and textures. It had to have a cover, of course:
I’ve painted some collage papers using only black and white paints and inks.
Early days, but so far it’s interesting. The absence of colour is making me consider tonal value much more carefully and consciously than I usually would.
The paper you can see in the photo above is very unusual and really beautiful. It has some sort of fibre or yarn embedded in mulberry paper to form those circles.
I included some of my favourite Two Rivers watercolour paper and only used Mars Black watercolour with details in fine drawing pen.
Most of the other pages are still in progress, and I’ll probably move backwards and forwards between them.
I guess some things really are black and white or shades of grey.
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Love your landscape painting!🖤
thanks so much Pam 🙂
Love the idea of your monochrome mixed media sketchbook. I can’t wait to see how it develops. The reason I’ve replied is because I’m doing the daily stitch journal and had already decided to do a limited colour month for July. I’ve painted my linen with tea ready. And I’ll use creams and beiges, not my normal colourful choices. Looking forward to see how it progresses
Thanks so much Roberta – that sounds like a great plan. It’s always interesting to see what difference it makes when you choose colours that are different from what you might normally use.
Just love this, looking forward to seeing how this develops. Very inspirational.
thanks Paula, looking forward to seeing how this one goes too 🙂
Monochrome vs Achromatic. As a student of color theory these terms and distinctions can sometimes stump me. Still searching for answers.
thanks Vicki yes, you’re quite right, I should probably have titled this post Achromatic to be strictly accurate – but I guess achromatic is still monochromatic in this case… Luckily for me I don’t get too hung up on the theory of these things, I much prefer to dive straight in to the practical 🙂
Beautiful and inspiring. I got the most out of your class! And I continue to keep your images near me for my own motivation and creative stimulation. Thanks for this email!JF
thanks so much, J – so glad you enjoyed the class
Really interesting ! Thanks for sharing!
🤗
This book is so beautiful already! Thank for sharing the process. I’ve always wanted to make the same book but also adding shades of pink. This may be the motivati
Fabulous! I find the “landscape in one shade of black” mesmerizing.
thanks so much Stephanie, it was fun to do
This is delightful! Thank you for sharing your creative process.
thanks so much Rebecca
What an inspirational idea. And what exquisite realization
thanks so much, Julie, that’s very kind
fabulous and so intriguingly interesting thank u.
thanks so much, it’s really interesting to explore this palette
Well, now – that’s an interesting exploration, isn’t it!
certainly is!