Everything Is Illuminated: The Study of Light in Monochrome

July 21 - August 11, 2026

4 weeks, Tuesdays, 6-8:30 PM

Instructor: Raymond Hummel

Age Limits: 18+

“Value is the musculature of painting,” said Michelangelo. Fine-tuning one’s ability to see and recreate value relationships is one of the most important steps toward making realistic artwork, yet it is often glossed over on the quest for color mastery. In this four-week oil painting class, students will work monochromatically, building nuanced value structures using only one color plus white. This focused approach will help aspiring painters better understand how to capture the effects of light and determine the degree of contrast they want in each image.

Because the monochrome format allows for faster decision-making, students will complete a finished study each week, with opportunities to vary both color choice and value range (contrast). Working from still life setups as well as photographic reference, students will leave the course with a stronger sensitivity to value and a deeper understanding of how it shapes form, light, and atmosphere.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Students are invited to work in oil, water-soluble oil, or acrylic.

See material list for required supplies

Member $100 | Non-member $150

If you must cancel, please email (info@stlouisartistsguild.org) or call STLAG. A refund will be given only if cancellation occurs seven days prior to the first day of class. No exceptions. Refunds will be processed minus a $25 withdrawal fee per course registration.

St. Louis Artists Guild is committed to providing educational experiences to as many people as possible. We are pleased to offer sliding-scale scholarships to make classes and workshops more accessible to our community, adults & children. If you are interested in scholarship information please contact Kathryn Nahorski, Membership and Development Director, at knahorski@stlouisartistsguild.org