6 x 20ml Professional Metal Tubes:

💎 Value Study

This set is perfect for creating value studies - the art of painting using only lights and darks to establish form. Use White and Off White for highlights, Sienna and Yellow Ochre for mid-tones, and Burnt Umber and Pure Black for shadows. This classic technique helps develop a strong understanding of light and form.

🎭 Zenithal Highlighting

Use Pure Black as a base coat, then apply progressively lighter colors (Burnt Umber, then Sienna, then Yellow Ochre) from a 45° angle, and finally White/Off White directly from above. This technique creates a dramatic lighting effect that establishes natural volume and makes details pop.

🌓 Natural Shadowing

For more natural shadows, avoid using pure black directly. Instead, mix Burnt Umber with a touch of Pure Black to create deep, rich shadows with depth and character. Use Sienna for mid-shadows and Yellow Ochre for subtle transitions. This creates more realistic-looking shadows than using gray or black alone.

🌟 Warm/Cool Contrast

Create visual interest by using temperature contrast in your highlights and shadows. Use the cool Off White for highlights on warm areas (painted with Yellow Ochre or Sienna) and use warm Yellow Ochre mixed with White for highlights on cooler areas. This temperature contrast adds sophistication to your monochromatic painting.

Figure Painters

Create realistic highlights and shadows on skin, clothing, and equipment with subtle tonal variations.

Diorama Builders

Establish consistent lighting across complex scenes with perfect atmospheric perspective.

Fine Artists

Perfect for value studies, grisaille underpainting, and dramatic monochromatic compositions.

Gamers

Quickly establish volume and details on gaming miniatures with efficient highlighting techniques.

Why do I need earth tones in a black & white set?

The earth tones (Yellow Ochre, Sienna, and Burnt Umber) provide warmer, more natural transitions than simple grays. Mixing these colors creates more visually interesting and realistic shadows and highlights than using just black and white alone, giving your monochromatic paintings depth and character.

How do these paints perform for dry brushing?

These dense acrylic paints are excellent for dry brushing techniques. The high pigment load ensures good color transfer even with minimal paint on the brush. For best results, use a flat brush with White or Off White on raised details after applying your base colors.

Can I use these for non-miniature artwork?

Absolutely! While these paints excel for miniatures, they're equally suitable for traditional canvas painting, especially for creating value studies, grisaille underpainting, or dramatic monochromatic compositions. Their high pigment concentration and matte finish work beautifully on various surfaces.