The value of creating a gray scale

I believe many beginning, even more advanced artists, believe it is a frivolous, unnecessary exercise to create a gray scale. Even though the title is a play on words, the true meaning is real.
What I have learned from years of teaching is that many can't create a gray scale, and when they do try, they realize just how difficult it is. Being able to discern and create a nice clear, separation of values from white to black is a great way to train the eye to see value changes. Recognizing that every color fits somewhere on the gray scale should be even more incentive to create and master the gray scale. Doing so will greatly improve your sense of a color's value.

[@SpectrumOfChange]

Working the scale by halves, is a helpful idea in understanding the thought process involved, thank you.

[@fr7115]

You're the best teacher!!! you give the best advice... I wouldn't have thought of mixing all the grays in the pallets first before putting on paper. May abundant blessings come your way!

[@AllThingsFoodwithJohnWoods]

You are a gifted teacher, I am not an artist, but I have found your videos quite fascinating.

[@SpectrumOfChange]

Thanks also for casually telling everyone you made a mistake, as you fixed it.

[@bahumdinger8361]

thanks John

[@roncoppetti7915]

Thanks for the great demo! I look forward to doing this exercise.

[@Blick_Art]

This should be mandatory viewing for every artist-in-training! Judging the value of a color is an essential skill that needs to be cultivated, but it's hard to learn without a good demonstration. The Utrecht team is proud that you selected their brand for this video. Many thanks for putting our address on your bench!

[@pollyester6627]

Valuable advice! I use Mars Black which is more neutral, Ivory Black is more blue.

[@johnpototschnik8857]

Yes, I consider Ivory Black a muted blue.

[@zahoorjan6999]

Thanks Sir,its really wonderful because I already have a plan to creat gray scale.know this video is a bonus for my attempt.

[@johnpototschnik8857]

Excellent!

[@barnbre2]

I'm going to get right on this. Thank you!!

[@johnpototschnik8857]

You'll definitely benefit.

[@stevenallan6515]

🧐👍💥

[@AliBaba-ke5jn]

Hi John. Do I need to buy Primary Red, Primary Blue, and Primary Yellow to begin a limited palette? I'm confused as other painters say to use different reds, blues, and yellows.

[@johnpototschnik8857]

Ali, The simple answer is, NO! If you watch some of my RUclips videos you will gain a quick understanding of why and how I go about selecting my primaries. Other painters are correct. Many will use a warm and cool of each primary, and there are lots of various reds, blues, and yellows available.

[@AliBaba-ke5jn]

@@johnpototschnik8857 Thanks for your swift reply.

[@annarnold5576]

Do you start with a tube of black and which one or do you mix your black?

[@johnpototschnik8857]

Yes, Titanium white on one end, Ivory Black on the other.