Lena Rivera
Master artist and 20-year international instructor Jon deMartin teaches a simple and effective way to create realistic forms using the grisaille method. In his video workshop, deMartin demonstrates how to use a monochromatic palette to create stunning realism and dimension. The three-stage process begins with an initial sketch in charcoal, followed by broad brush strokes to block in the values, and finally refining the values with smaller brushes. deMartin also covers essential techniques such as cast drawing, open grisaille, closed grisaille, optical reduction, gauging angles, and anchor points to help artists create beautiful organic shapes and develop a deeper understanding of spatial structures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Jon deMartin |
| Instructor's Experience | 20-year international instructor |
| Medium | Oil |
| Brushes | Silverstone or Royal & Langnickel round bristle brushes (#2 through #6) |
| Number of Brushes | Three of each size |
| Brush Usage | One for lights, one for halftones, and one for shadows |
| Stages | 3 |
| Stage 1 | Initial sketch in charcoal |
| Stage 2 | Broad brush strokes to get the values down |
| Stage 3 | Refining the values with smaller brushes |
| Techniques | Open grisaille, closed grisaille |
| Open grisaille | Thin, transparent washes of paint to establish shape and shadow |
| Closed grisaille | Building a full tonal and value spectrum |
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What You'll Learn
Grisaille Method Overview
Master artist and 20-year international instructor Jon deMartin teaches a simple and effective way to create realistic forms using the grisaille method. In his video workshop, deMartin begins with an overview of materials and tips on drawing and proportions. He then demonstrates how a monochromatic palette is all that is needed to create stunning realism and dimension.
The grisaille method involves the use of thin, transparent washes of paint to establish shape and shadow, known as open grisaille. This is followed by building a full tonal and value spectrum, or closed grisaille, to create a sense of depth and volume. deMartin uses burnt umber and white to create a range of values, from light to dark, and demonstrates how to use brushes to achieve the desired effects.
DeMartin's process consists of three stages. The first stage involves creating an initial sketch in charcoal. This provides a basic outline and composition for the painting. In the second stage, broad brushstrokes are used to block in the values and establish the overall lighting and shading of the subject. Smaller brushes are then used in the third stage to refine the details and add final touches to the painting.
Through this method, deMartin teaches how to give lines a feeling of weight and structure by exploring concepts such as optical reduction, gauging angles, and anchor points. He also demonstrates how to create beautiful organic shapes using the three actions of contours, which help to give the drawing more permanency as the painting progresses. By understanding spatial structures, artists can create a sense of depth and perspective in their work.
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Materials and Drawing
The grisaille method, as taught by Jon deMartin, involves creating realistic forms using a monochromatic palette. This technique can be achieved using either oil or acrylic paint. deMartin recommends using burnt umber and white to create a full tonal and value spectrum. For brushes, Silverstone or Royal & Langnickel round bristle brushes in sizes #2 through #6 are suggested. It is recommended to have three brushes of each size: one for lights, one for halftones, and one for shadows.
The grisaille method typically involves three stages, beginning with an initial sketch using charcoal. This sketch provides the foundation for the subsequent application of paint. During the second stage, broad brushstrokes are used to block in the values, establishing the overall composition. Smaller brushes are then used in the third stage to refine the details and add depth to the painting.
In terms of drawing and proportions, deMartin emphasizes the importance of giving your lines a sense of weight and structure. This can be achieved by understanding optical reduction, gauging angles, and identifying anchor points. These techniques enhance the feeling of permanence in your drawing. Additionally, deMartin teaches the three actions of contours that create beautiful organic shapes within your composition.
DeMartin's grisaille method includes both open grisaille and closed grisaille techniques. Open grisaille involves using thin, transparent washes of paint to define shapes and shadows, creating a subtle effect. On the other hand, closed grisaille builds upon this by adding more layers of paint to achieve a full tonal range, resulting in a vibrant and dimensional final product.
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Open Grisaille
In the video, deMartin takes viewers through the three stages of painting in the grisaille style. The first stage involves creating an initial sketch in charcoal. This provides a basic outline that will be built upon in the following stages.
The second stage is where the open grisaille technique comes into play. Using broad brush strokes, the artist applies thin layers of paint to establish the values of light and dark, creating a sense of depth and form. It is important to use the right brushes for this stage; deMartin recommends Silverstone or Royal & Langnickel round bristle brushes in sizes #2 through #6. Having three brushes of each size allows for separate brushes for lights, halftones, and shadows.
The final stage involves refining the values and details using smaller brushes. By this stage, the painting should already be taking shape, with some areas being more refined than others. deMartin demonstrates this by showing how he has partially completed certain areas, such as the forehead, before moving on to the rest of the face. This approach ensures that the painting comes together harmoniously, with a consistent application of values and shadows.
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Closed Grisaille
In his video workshop, master artist and instructor Jon deMartin demonstrates the grisaille method, a simple and effective way to create realistic forms using a monochromatic palette. deMartin begins with an overview of materials and tips on drawing and proportions before guiding viewers through the open and closed grisaille techniques.
To create a closed grisaille, artists use one dark colour and white to achieve a full range of values. This can include pigments such as Flake White, Ivory Black, Mars Black, and Raw Umber, as well as small amounts of warm hues like burnt umber or titanium white. The closed grisaille technique is particularly useful for training the eye to see value ranges and is often taught for cast painting and figure painting in classical ateliers.
The Grisaille method, as taught by deMartin, involves three stages: the initial sketch in charcoal, broad brush strokes to establish values, and refining the values with smaller brushes. This process helps artists give their lines a feeling of weight and structure while creating beautiful organic shapes. By understanding the spatial structures, artists can model their subjects with greater authority.
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Refining Values
In the third and final stage of Jon deMartin's Grisaille Method, the focus is on refining the values established in the previous stage. This is achieved by using smaller brushes to add detail and precision to the painting.
DeMartin himself is a master artist and instructor with over 20 years of international experience. His teaching style is thorough, and he places a strong emphasis on the underlying structure of a painting. Even those with little to no classical training will find his foundation skills instruction immensely beneficial.
In the Grisaille Method video, deMartin begins by explaining the materials required and offering tips on drawing and proportions. He then demonstrates the creation of both open grisaille and closed grisaille techniques, using thin, transparent washes of paint to establish shape and shadow, and building a full tonal and value spectrum.
The third stage, refining values, involves going back over the painting with smaller brushes to add finer details and make subtle adjustments to the values established in the previous stage. This process helps to create stunning realism and dimension in the final painting, bringing the image to life.
By following deMartin's three-stage process, artists can learn to create realistic forms using simple and effective techniques. His instruction provides a strong foundation for any artist looking to improve their portrait painting skills and create more vibrant and lifelike images.
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Frequently asked questions
Jon deMartin breaks down the grisaille method into three stages: the initial sketch in charcoal, broad brush strokes to get the values down, and refining the values with smaller brushes.
Master artist and 20-year international instructor Jon deMartin will teach you how to create realistic form using a monochromatic palette. You will learn the methods of creating both open grisaille (thin, transparent washes of paint to establish shape and shadow) and closed grisaille (building a full tonal and value spectrum).
Jon deMartin recommends Silverstone or Royal & Langnickel round bristle brushes in sizes #2 through #6. You will need three of each size: one for lights, one for halftones, and one for shadows.
Jon deMartin is known for his complete and motivating explanations of the grisaille method. He provides simple and effective tips on drawing and proportions, optical reduction, gauging angles, anchor points, and creating organic shapes.
