John Pototschnik painting outdoors

Follow along with John as he demonstrates how to use Utrecht Artists’ Oil Colors to create a gray scale to use in your studio. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make a tool which you can use to easily judge contrast in your paintings and also serves as a valuable exercise in mixing color to the correct value.

Learn to paint a monochromatic block-in to establish value structure and create mood in your paintings. Requiring just Utrecht Artists’ Oil Colors in Raw Umber, mineral spirits, and a paper towel, this technique will help take the guesswork out of mixing color to the appropriate scale before beginning your color painting.

In this tutorial, John demonstrates how you can use Utrecht Artists’ Oil Colors in a limited palette to create an incredible variety of greens without ever opening a tube of green paint. Particularly useful for plein air and landscape painting, this technique will enhance your understanding of the nuances of just one color while helping you make the most of your palette.

John Pototschnik - Fine Arts Painter

Get creative with Blick's featured artist, John Pototschnik. Watch video tutorials to learn how to create their art projects using art supplies from Blick.

John Pototschnik

John Pototschnik Projects

The Value of a Grayscale

Favorite Art Supplies

About the Artist