--- title: "Grisaille & Figure Studies: Custom Monochrome Portrait Art by Juhi" description: "Explore Juhi’s monochrome oil portraits, figure studies, and charcoal drawings. Get a custom grisaille or figure sketch in Delhi. Book your portrait session." canonical: https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings/studies-in-form-grisaille-monochrome-and-figures last_updated: 2025-10-01 --- # Studies in Form: Grisaille, Monochrome, and Figure Art Tribe Verified · Professional artist based in Delhi NCR. By [Juhi Kumar](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi) · Live sittings in Delhi NCR; Accepts commissions across India · ₹4,000 per artwork (estimate) Part of [Commissioned Paintings](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings/gallery) Before I add color, I focus on the structure. This collection shows my deep-dive into grisaille, figure studies, and charcoal work—the essential steps where I learn how light truly hits a surface. ## Photos and videos - ![A full figure painting of our model Rama, done in oil against a vibrant red backdrop. This was a challenging but enjoyable live session where I focused on capturing her pose and the dramatic lighting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dc94b977-460f-4426-82f6-2d6e7d1ca26f) - ![Here is the live setup for the figure painting session with Rama at the Uchhan art gallery. You can see my painting on the easel next to her as she holds her pose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/70f816e3-5b1f-4fc1-9390-ea5303c62b47) - ![The initial block-in of the figure painting. This stage is all about establishing the composition and the major shapes of light and shadow before refining the details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e80c1326-7b25-46d3-8529-1158d7d962e3) - ![A figure study in oil on linen from a five-and-a-half-hour session with a wonderful Spanish model. I am so grateful for the opportunity to paint live and learn from fellow artists.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd72dfa9-3858-44fe-8e67-db0a11c4f6d4) - ![Another pose from the same figure study session. Here, I explored a reclining pose, focusing on the interplay of light on the form and the texture of the pink drapery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f3e4c839-7ac5-4302-bb88-42d2d0975e68) - ![A study of the figure from the back, also in oil on linen. These sessions are invaluable for practicing anatomy and understanding the human form from all angles.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/561969f9-cc90-4065-b69a-aaf8a5a19582) - ![The group of artists at the end of our figure study weekend, all proudly holding up our work. It's amazing to see so many different interpretations of the same model and poses.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0b6fc2b0-de84-48e7-b070-86ce0e1c9edb) - ![Another group photo from our figure study session. The sense of community and shared learning in these events is incredibly inspiring and rewarding.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec2483b3-268b-4001-b665-a684c85341ed) - ![A figure study in oil on linen, practicing what I learned in a workshop. This is the underpainting, focusing on drawing and value before adding color. The reference is from the Florence Academy of Art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d6cf87f1-2817-44d8-921d-39e5effaab79) - ![A figure drawing in charcoal on paper, based on the same pose. Drawing is fundamental to my practice, and studies like this help strengthen my understanding of anatomy and form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b753635-af28-4b5e-899f-0d95d6f12691) - ![The initial drawing on the linen canvas for the oil figure study. This is the first step, ensuring the proportions and gesture are correct before I begin painting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f089d92c-8a39-4a46-879d-4af9affcc999) - ![A figure sketch done in pen in my sketchbook. Sketching every day, even quick studies like this, makes me happy and keeps my skills sharp.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c940a249-4d2e-419c-86af-03787e6c41c1) - ![A portrait study in Grisaille (monochrome) using oil on mount board. This technique is excellent for focusing purely on value and form without the distraction of color.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/820ffe4b-a749-4073-ae25-86dfffbc9def) - ![The first stage of the Grisaille portrait, blocking in the darkest shadow shapes to establish the structure of the face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/29b8d00f-d3ee-4a22-8f63-8dab41fabd54) - ![Continuing to build the form by adding mid-tones to the Grisaille study. This is a methodical process of modeling the features in light and shadow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/defb2e03-1968-4bd6-aa71-ee38d1297669) - ![The nearly completed Grisaille portrait study. The goal is to create a fully rendered, three-dimensional image using only black, white, and grey tones.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5628f892-85bf-4fe6-a71f-21f3632eeeee) - ![A Grisaille portrait study in oil, done from a reference of a fellow artist. This piece, on an A3 size mount board, is an exercise in understanding values.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71bd6085-b0b0-43fc-985c-c61c9a8f97f7) - ![The Grisaille portrait on the easel, showing the work in progress. I use this technique to improve my understanding of light and shadow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b40ae1a5-be23-47f8-a4ab-5b83e1740d47) - ![Another view of the monochrome portrait on my easel, with my palette knife and paints nearby. This setup is typical for my studio practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/733359cb-5a83-497b-bb26-80c3225c768a) - ![A portrait drawing practice using graphite and charcoal on Arches paper. There is so much happiness to be found in the simple act of drawing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f8baa232-66d5-4ba7-9d9e-d7acee175071) - ![A portrait study in charcoal, based on a work by the master artist Anders Zorn. I did this to practice what I learned in a workshop and am considering doing an oil painting of it as well.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4cf2b640-0fc9-4b93-9993-ef4dc366feca) - ![A landscape study in monochrome, titled 'The Power of Silence'. Using only black and white watercolor on paper, I aimed to capture the quiet, dramatic mood of the scene.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f177d8f7-b984-4652-978d-53811384064b) ## About Studies in Form: Grisaille, Monochrome, and Figures When I paint a grisaille or a figure study, I am looking for the 'truth' of the form—how the light falls and where the shadows naturally curve. This isn't just a sketch; it is the fundamental structural work that makes my final oil portraits look grounded. By removing color, I force myself to master values, ensuring that when I do pick up a brush, the composition is already rock solid. ### Why I Focus on Form First Art is a constant learning process. Whether I am working in my studio in Delhi or painting live at an gallery event, I always come back to the basics: form, light, and shadow. These monochrome studies and charcoal drawings are not just practice—they are how I build the vocabulary to create more complex, vibrant oil paintings later. ### The Process Behind the Piece * **Grisaille (Monochrome):** I love this technique. By using only neutral tones, I can concentrate entirely on the 'value'—the relative lightness or darkness of a feature. It is a methodical way to build a face or figure before adding any color. * **Figure Studies:** Capturing a live model is a challenge, but it is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice. I aim for 'alla prima' (direct painting) or charcoal sketching to capture the gesture and anatomy in real-time. * **Materials:** For these studies, I use professional-grade charcoal, pencil, and oil paints on linen or mount board. I believe that using quality materials, even for studies, is vital for the work to age well. ### Can We Create One Together? If you are looking for a portrait that feels classical, textured, and deeply personal, consider a grisaille study or a figure sketch. These pieces carry a timeless quality that color sometimes obscures. If you have a specific pose in mind, or if you are interested in a live sitting for a study, let's chat about it. ## About Juhi Kumar I'm Juhi, and I believe the best art starts with understanding how light falls on a subject. Whether I am sketching in a quiet corner of Delhi or running a figure study session, I am always chasing the perfect line. Let's work together to create a portrait that feels honest and timeless. [See all of Juhi Kumar's services](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi) ## More from Commissioned Paintings by Juhi Kumar - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings/featured) - [Live Oil Portraits: Capturing Essence in a Single Session](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings/live-oil-portraits-capturing-essence-in-a-single-session) - [Watercolor Journeys: Places and Memories](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings/watercolor-journeys-places-and-memories) - [Oil Paintings: From Still Life to Cityscapes](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings/oil-paintings-from-still-life-to-cityscapes) - [Behind the Easel: My Process, Workshops, and Exhibitions](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/commissioned-paintings/behind-the-easel-my-process-workshops-and-exhibitions) ## More services by Juhi Kumar - [Original Art for Sale](https://mytribe.in/kumar.juhi/original-art-for-sale) ## Similar work from other experts - [Hand-Drawn Charcoal Portraits and Custom Sketches](https://mytribe.in/fxz.01/custom-artwork-portraits/charcoal-sketches-the-power-of-black-white) by Mohammad Faizan · Custom Artwork & Portraits · Ships custom artwork across India - [Master Charcoal and Monochrome Art in Noida](https://mytribe.in/stroke_art_institute/painting-and-drawing-classes/charcoal-monochrome-magic) by Stroke Art Institute · Painting and Drawing Classes · Visit art studio in Sector 49, Noida - [Figurative Art and Charcoal Sketches in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/thepalettepassion/custom-artwork-commissions/fine-art-figurative-studies) by Mridul · Custom Artwork & Commissions · Projects in Bengaluru; Ships across India - [Monochrome and Value Studies: Art Workshops](https://mytribe.in/uday_bhan_official/online-art-courses-workshops/monochrome-value-studies) by Uday Bhan · Online Art Courses & Workshops · Live interactive classes via Zoom - [Monochromatic Colored Pencil Portraits](https://mytribe.in/sushantsrane/custom-human-portraits/monochromatic-colored-pencil-portraits) by Sushant Srane · Custom Human Portraits · Book online; Ships across India - [Hyperrealistic Charcoal Portraits and Human Figures](https://mytribe.in/omthadkar_art/original-fine-art-prints/portraits-people-the-human-form) by Om Thadkar · Original Fine Art & Prints · Ships across India ## Book To book Juhi Kumar, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Juhi!%20I%20saw%20your%20grisaille%20and%20figure%20study%20work%20on%20mytribe.%20I'm%20interested%20in%20a%20custom%20portrait%20commission.%20Are%20you%20taking%20new%20requests%3F)