3.2: Painting - Create a Greyscale Tool

Color Theory and Composition · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under mixed, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    Gray scale

    A grayscale is a system for organizing values. It commonly illustrates a range between 9 to 11 value steps from white to black. You will create your own grayscale using guache paint as a tool will be using for the rest of the semester.

    Steps:

    1. Divide a sheet of bristol in half the long way: roughly 17"x7"
    2. Measure steps 1.5” wide so that you have about 12 steps.
    3. Measure one strip also 1.5" along the entire long edge of the paper.
    4. Begin by mixing black and white to create a middle gray. Paint this color in the middle rung and along the long side, showing reversed ground.
    5. Create even mixtures between middle gray and white on the top half and between middle gray and black on the bottom.
    6. Double check that the transition from white to black appears even. If two colors appear too similar remove, add, or repaint to acheive a smooth gradation.

    Example:

    Painted grayscale with holes punched on each value and long stip of middle gray
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): This tool will be used throughout the semester to asses the relative value of each hue. ("Grayscale Tool" by Molly Champlin is licensed under CC BY)

     

    Notes

    Be sure to wait for your paint to dry before painting as it will change color as the water evaporates.

     

    This page titled 3.2: Painting - Create a Greyscale Tool was last modified on Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:49:37 GMT and is shared under a mixed license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lauren Champlin.