Black & Grey Shading

Black and grey is built in layers: the outline first, then washes thinned to different values and packed in until the shading holds its gradient without banding. Contrast is what carries the piece, so the artist maps where the light falls before any grey goes down and leaves the highlights as bare skin rather than trying to lift them back out later.

This is the approach for portraits, statuary, animals, ornamental filigree, and anything meant to look like it has depth. Larger work is usually broken into sessions so each layer heals before the next goes on. Expect a longer sitting, breaks when you need them, and a piece that keeps its contrast once the skin settles.