ART FOUNDATIONS: Shades of Gray, Oct 10, 2026

Shades of Gray: See More Through Value

Before there is color, there is value.

Light and dark are what give a painting depth, dimension, contrast, and form. In this Art Foundations hands-on workshop, well remove the distraction of color and work entirely in shades of gray, making it easier to see how value shapes what we see.

Students will begin by exploring a value scale, learning to recognize and mix a range of tones from white through middle gray to black. Well look at how artists simplify a subject into areas of light, middle value, and shadowand why getting those relationships right can often be more important than matching color.

Then well put those ideas into practice with a simple still life. Youll learn to observe where the light falls, identify highlights and shadows, and use a limited grayscale palette to turn flat shapes into convincing three-dimensional forms.

What You’ll Explore

• Understanding value and why it matters
• Creating and using a value scale
• Seeing highlights, midtones, form shadows, and cast shadows
• Simplifying a subject into manageable value shapes
• Creating depth and dimension without relying on color
• Using contrast to direct attention and strengthen a composition
• Painting a simple still life using only shades of gray

Working without color is a surprisingly powerful way to train your eye. Once you begin seeing value instead of objects, you’ll start noticing light and shadow differentlyand those skills carry directly into drawing, watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, and other media.

Saturday, October 10 | 11:00 AM1:00 PM
$15 | All materials included

All skill levels are welcome. No previous painting experience is required.

Build the skills. Free your creativity.

Alabama Art Academy at Alabama Art Supply
1006 23rd Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205
205-322-4741
AlabamaArt.com

Elizabeth Ragona, MBA

Artist, framer, business strategist, and Sales & Marketing Manager at Alabama Art Supply, Elizabeth Ragona combines her experience in business, marketing, pricing strategy, and the arts to help creative professionals build successful and sustainable art businesses. Her workshops focus on practical tools and real-world solutions that artists can apply immediately.

Part of theAlabama Art Academy: Art Foundations series build confidence and essential skills while discovering the materials and techniques artists use.