Grisaille (from French: gris – grey, [ɡri.zai]) is a term for painting executed entirely in monochromatic color scheme, usually in shades of grey or brown

For this assignment you are going to draw and paint a relief tile by looking at it.

Observational drawing is extremely important in your drawing learning process.

in a nutshell:

1. Standard AA Cr11h (planning/experimentation): Start with sketching. Analyze the shapes and lay them out.

2. Standards AA Cr12h (skills) & AA Pr10h (aesthetics/communication): Then let’s focus on the drawing: proportions, attention to details, quality of lines.

Do a line drawing using regular pencil, drawing lightly so that you can easily erase. Take your time with this step.

Start with laying out all major shapes. Make sure they are proportional to each other and the board itself. Then draw in all the details…

The better your drawing is, the better your finished painting will be.
Do not create values (do not shade!!!)

Show darks and lights by drawing them as shapes without shading them in. You can also show different colors the same way. Draw the different colored shapes, but don’t shade them.

3. Standards AA Cr11h (planning/experimentation) & AAPr10h (aesthetics/communication): Then you will paint the tile with coffee by applying values as washes (watercolor technique). Washes will build up values.

Make sure you paint multiple values that create an illusion of depth.

Any cheap coffee will work for this painting. You need to make a strong one to achieve darker values.

I found that INSTANT COFFEE (that tastes nasty) works best as it dissolves perfectly and does not leave any particles behind.

Choose a tile from the choices that are available. Choose the one that truly interests you, one that intrigues you by its interesting subject matter, or by its composition. Please don’t simply choose one that you think is "easy".

The complexity of the tile is a part of your grade.

The first step to any art project is developing an idea and deciding on the composition.

This is an observational drawing, so we already have a composition established for us, but your task is to recreate it within the designated area. The only way to learn how to copy from observation is to analyze the forms/shapes and place them proportionally.

That is the reason we need a sketch.

Use worksheet that has exact dimensions as the tile. That will help you with the proportions. (The final drawing will be exactly double the size).

Start sketching the big shapes (or groups of shapes) first. Use the same approach as we did in a grid drawing – look for key points.

Make sure all big shapes are there before adding details.

Use your sketch as a reference for laying out the final composition.

On your board:

Draw a 1" border.

Look at the tile and your sketch.

Mark all key points that will help you place the layout of the scene.

Start with the perimeter of the tile.

Remember?…. grid drawing technique…

Check and compare all major proportions of the main areas.

It is also helpful to find the center of the tile and the drawing.

You can use it as a reference point.

Don’t forget to check and compare all heights.

Use your pencil to find all major angles in the layout.

Align your pencil with a shape edge and transfer it onto your board.

The lines should match with your key points.

It’s like solving a puzzle!!! Fun!

Now break the big shapes into smaller parts.

Start adding smaller details.

Make sure you have every detail.

Look at the tile and decide on where and what kind of texture you will have to add to your drawing.

At this point your drawing is a light, clean linear drawing with no shading.

Outline your design with a fine permanent marker.

Use smooth solid lines.

Erase all pencil lines.

Stylize the corners in the drawing for added effect.

You can skip the small shapes though…

Copy texture that you see on the tile.

Use pointillism or/and other types of strokes.

Click on this image to zoom in and see details.

Be very accurate with proportions, placement of shapes, and details.

Let me see your drawing before you go to the next step.

Paint the piece using coffee.

You will dilute instant coffee granules into water to create a "wash". You will use the wash to paint the variety of values. Follow the darks and lights in the tile as accurately as possible, translating these values into browns and sepia tones using coffee as your "paint".

Shapes touching each other should not be the same brown value.

Trace your design with a Sharpie again.

Don’t lick your painting !!!!!

Premix few washes that you are going to use for more delicate positive space.

Make light and medium washes.

Use flat and round watercolor brushes.

Don’t forget to use paper towel to remove excess coffee from your brush as you paint.

Find the darkest areas and paint them first.

Be patient and let the washes dry.

Each additional layer (or coat) of coffee – darkens the area.

Optional: you can use masking/painter tape around the perimeter of the drawing before you paint to protect the border.

Have a cup with strong/medium coffee;

Another cut with a diluted one – for lighter values;

And a cup of water.

Also, grab a scrap piece of an illustration board to try and preview the washes.

Apply the first wash all over the tile drawing.

Just skip the lightest areas and/or highlights.

Continue building up values.

Make sure one layer is dry before you apply the next.

Do not focus on one detail at a time.

Work on darkest areas first. While each wash is drying – you can paint other areas.

When it seems that your painting is done – analyze it and compare to the tile.

Most likely you will notice that you will need to add contrast and emphasize shadows.

Now you can focus on details and textures.

But continue adding more depth.

This is what 3-D effect looks like – you have multiple values within one shape.

In these examples – look at value variations within shapes.

Continue painting until you are satisfied with it!

Have fun!