Definition: Grisaille, from the French word 'gris' for gray, is a monochrome painting or drawing, usually in gray but sometimes in sepia tones. Grisaille drawing and painting from plaster casts are done as the basis of classical art training, as the technique allows 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, whcih is used in traditional, layered oil painting technques.
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)
