What I Learned Drawing Without Color

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!

Today: a sketchbook tour of a sketchbook that is all black and white. No color, just lines, values, and the occasional grey wash.

I did not plan it this way, but limiting my tools has taught me so much. I share what working without color taught me, how it simplified my process, and why I think you should try it too.

While traveling, I kept my kit minimal and experimented with different pens, pencils, and washes. I learned how strong contrast, simple hatching, and light washes can create depth and texture, even without color. You will see pages from my sketchbook where I stayed in my comfort zone, and others where I pushed myself with landscapes, light studies, and bold textures.

Materials I used in this sketchbook

• Hahnemühle Nostalgie sketchbook, size A6

• Graphite pencil

• Colored pencil (black)

• Watersoluble graphite pencil

• Watersoluble pencil

• Waterproof ink pen

• Watersoluble fountain pen

• Brushpen

• Black colored pencil

• Black and white crayon

• Waterbrush

This week’s assignment:

Go color-free.
Choose a few black and white tools and fill a page (or more) without using color. Focus on shapes, contrast, and value. Try hatching, layering, or adding a wash.
Draw from life, photos, or memory. 

Notice what changes when color is not an option, and see what stands out more. You might be surprised by how creative and freeing it feels.