Definition: Grisaille, from the French word 'gris' for gray, is a monochrome painting or drawing, usually in gray but sometimes in sepia tones.
Traditionally, grisaille drawing and painting from plaster casts were done as the basis of classical art training, as the technique allowed the artist to concentrate on accurate rendering of form, without the distraction of color.
Traditionally, grisaille drawing and painting from plaster casts were done as the basis of classical art training, as the technique allowed the artist to concentrate on accurate rendering of form, without the distraction of color.
Realist drawings in graphite and charcoal could technically be described as grisaille, but you'll find the term more frequently used to describe the monotone underpainting, also called imprimatura, which is used in traditional, layered oil painting technques. Usually beginning with a dark surface and using white paint to build highlights and model the subject, the painter begins with thin paint as the foundation of the work. Once dry, the painting is then layered with glazes of color, to create a rich and luminous final surface. Unfortunately many modern interpretations of this technique manage to combine the traditional approach with insipid imagery, weak composition and florid color.
Pronunciation: gris-eye or gris-ehy (with the faintest hint of a 'yuh' a the end)
Also Known As: grayscale, greyscale, imprimatura (when referring to paint)
