Monochromatic

Black and White or Sepia are both monochromatic or a single color. The images in this blog are monochrome rather than in color.  There is a reason for this.

When first learning how to draw you learn about lines, shading, form, light and shadow through using values of black and white.  Learning to draw in black and white before learning color theory and painting allows one to build on the basics, before adding more advanced techniques.  Learning how to see in black and white also helps photographers for the same reason.

When working in black and white the quality of light will be good or poor, the composition will be strong or weak, there is no compensating for poor composition in black and white, as there is in color due its emotional component. Using a monochrome setting in your camera will help you to create a solid foundation.