Are monochrome paintings ok?

[Debra Norton]

Meg, in art school we had to do black and white cast paintings. We pre-mixed and tubed ivory black and raw umber, and I used cremnitz white, which is a warmer white. Combining the black and umber gave us a warmer dark, and I didn't have any problems with getting the lights with cremnitz white. I've attached the painting I did to show the effect with these colors.

[Meg Godfrey]

Wow, Debra, that is a beautiful work. Thanks for sharing. You were fortunate, indeed, to do cast paintings in college. I did my first cast painting on my own AFTER I finished my BFA. (Realism was NOT encouraged when I was in school--my professors rolled their eyes at any attempts and usually said "that's been DONE" as if all of the history of art before 1920 should be chucked out) Anyway, thanks for your input. The example you showed is beautiful. I have finished my prelim drawings and am moving to canvas today!

[Debra Norton]

Thank you Meg. What color did you decide to use? Are you going to post your painting?

[Meg Godfrey]

Actually, I'm going with your colors--Raw umber, Ivory black, & white. When I saw your painting a big light bulb went off! The colors will look great in my client's house. I will post it if I can figure out how (I'm techno-challenged as Cynthia can attest-hahaha!) Thanks again for your input. I found it extremely helpful and encouraging!