MONOCHROME

The term monochrome comes from the Ancient Greek: μονόχρωμος, romanized: monochromos, lit. 'having one color'. A monochromatic object or image reflects colors in shades of limited colors or hues. Images using only shades of grey (with or without black or white) are called grayscale or black-and-white.

A monochrome or monochromatic painting is one created using only one colour or hue. It can use different shades of one color but by definition should contain only one base color. For more than a hundred years artists have used a single color as a vehicle for exploring both the potential and limitations of painting, using this reductive formula to experiment with formal concerns of composition and tonality, or to advance theories related to nature, the sublime and analogous spiritual concerns. Rendered with geometric precision or with the nuance of expressive brushstrokes, the monochrome is an enduring idiom of avant-garde modernism.

Many people picture a drawing as a work in monochrome pencil, pen and ink or charcoal. In the past, most drawings were indeed in one color or perhaps two, largely because color drawing materials, with the exception of pastels, did not arrive on the art scene until relatively recently. Now there are great many, which are discussed later. However because most people begin drawing with monochrome material we will look at these first.

PENCILS

These are the most basic of all drawing tools, as well as being one of the most sensitive and versatile. Few artists would be without a selection of pencils. Although they are sometimes incorrectly described as “lead”, pencils are in fact made of graphite, a form of carbon, and began to be manufactured in the 18th century after the discovery of a deposit in the north of England. They are made in different grades, from 8B, which is very soft, to about 4H, which is much too hard for ordinary drawing purposes. An HB, a 2B, and a 4B would provide a good selection for the beginner to practice with.

CHARCOAL

This is one of the most popular of all the monochrome media. Because it encourages a bold, uninhibited form of drawing, art teachers often recommend it to novices. Charcoal is made from fired twigs of wood, such as willow, and is sold in different thicknesses. It smudges easily, and corrections can be made simply by wiping it off; however, this makes it less suitable than a pencil for small-scale sketchbook work. Compressed charcoal is also available, in both stick and pencil form. This produces deeper, richer blacks than ordinary charcoal, but is less easy to erase.

PENS, INKS & BRUSHES

The appeal of pen and ink drawing is found in the strong contrast, the emphasis placed on the mark, and the challenge of permanence since ink cannot be erased or altered much after it has been applied. Pen and ink artists are often drawn to the precision of the medium as well. The enjoyment found in creating a well-executed and clean drawing with pen and ink is quite satisfying.

Perhaps, you’ve been creating pen and ink drawings of your own for a while, or perhaps you’re just starting out. Either way, there are few materials that I feel are essential for any artist. Compared to other mediums, the list of supplies is relatively short and most of the materials are inexpensive and easy to find at any art store.

CONTE CRAYONS

These are square-sectioned sticks, similar to hard pastels inconsistency. They are made in black, white, and a selection of “earth” colors browns and red-browns. They are capable of much bolder effects than a pencil, and are excellent both for crisp, decisive lines and for areas of solid dark tone, as they can be sharpened to a point or broken into short lengths and used sideways. The only drawback is that Conte cannot be erased easily.

ACTIVITY: Let's give a try!

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