Black & gray

Shading and heavy blacks. Ornamental frames, creatures, sacred hearts.

All the range of a drawing, none of the color. Smooth gradients, deep blacks and the kind of contrast that makes something look carved rather than printed on.

How I work it

Built up in passes: outline, then shading worked from the darkest point out. Heavy black holds up better over decades than gray wash does, so I’ll usually push for more contrast than people expect.

What to bring me

Reference for the mood as much as the subject — show me a drawing or a photo whose light you like, and I’ll build from there.

Good for

Ornamental panels and frames

Creatures, skulls, anything with weight

Religious and memorial imagery

Cover-ups — black hides a lot

Time in the chair

A session for most pieces. Larger ornamental work runs a full day or two sittings.

Price

By the piece, by the session, or a full day — whatever the work needs. I’ll tell you the number before you commit to anything. A $50 deposit books the appointment and comes off the price.

Start a black & gray piece

Or claim flash

Black & gray I’ve done