Once a certain level of mastery exists with drawing, the atelier student is introduced to paint. The term grisaille refers to a painting done in a monochrome palette, sometimes with the addition of a few colors. Painting in a limited palette forms an important progression which transitions students from drawing to painting. It presents familiar principles, such as composition, value and form but introduces the challenges of a new medium.

It is remarkable how much of reality can be captured with a palette of tonal grays. Mastery of value provides the artist with most of the skills necessary to produce beautiful full color work down the road.