When you start to paint it is important to understand the concept of tonal values. Whatever medium you work in, the range of tones available to you is very small compared to those found in nature. It is impossible, for example, to achieve the brightness of the sun. To a certain extent therefore you have to compromise.

In the early stages of learning is is helpful to forget about colour and simply concentrate of tones. This can be achieved by carrying out a monochome painting using a colour which has dark tones, such as burnt umber.

 'Under the Cotswold Escarpment' was painted using only Burnt Umber.  

 This month's tip comes from David Bellamy's 'Learn to Paint Watercolour Landscapes' on special offer at only £6.50

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