Tonal value study of a statue - Royal Talens
Tonal value study of a statue - Royal Talens

Painting a statue in grey tonal values

This step-by-step tutorial will guide you in transforming a reference photo into a stunning, realistic piece of art of a statue by effectively using grey tonal values. Let’s dive in and enjoy the creative process!

Watch video What you need

Painting a statue with acrylics

We will guide you through the process of painting a reference photo, where you will discover and apply the tonal values yourself. You can use the sample image provided for download, or feel free to choose your own!

What you need

  • Acrylic paint in lamp black (702) and titanium white (105)
  • Flat brush
  • Acrylic paper
  • Marker
  • Pencil
  • Palette
  • Palette knife
  • Water bucket
  • Paper towel
  • Reference photo

About the author

Toon Nagtegaal

Toon Nagtegaal, a Dutch visual artist and fine art instructor, channels his passion for motorsport into his paintings. While motorsport is his main artistic focus, he also enjoys creating portraits, landscapes, and still lifes.

“Drawing was a constant throughout my childhood, with weekly lessons shaping my early years. After finishing secondary school, I attended an art academy, which paved the way for my career as an art educator.”

More tutorials by Toon

Related blogs

Paint Like the Ocean - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

Paint Like the Ocean

Discover how acrylic paint can capture the movement, depth, and atmosphere of water through colour, layering, and fluid techniques inspired...
Painting the Sound of Colour with Amsterdam Acrylics - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

Painting the Sound of Colour with Amsterdam Acrylics

What if a painting could feel like music? Not literally, but in the way it moves, repeats, and builds. That...
Sketch your world with Amsterdam Acrylics - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

Sketch your world with Amsterdam Acrylics

From quiet coffee moments to busy streets, sketching helps you see more. In this blog, Jeff Olson shares how to...
The architecture of intimacy: a bridge between acrylics and oils - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

The architecture of intimacy: a bridge between acrylics and oils

By Ale Casanova In Eclosion, Ale Casanova explores the dialogue between acrylics and oils on a large scale. By combining the...
Get started with acrylic paint - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

Get started with acrylic paint

You don’t need much to get started with acrylic paint. We have listed the most important supplies for you.
Layer, combine, experiment - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

Layer, combine, experiment

April is a call to disrupt routine. As light returns and energy shifts, it becomes easier to invite risk back...
Women in art working with acrylics - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

Women in art working with acrylics

Acrylic paint has been a transformative medium in modern art, giving artists the freedom to experiment and express themselves. For...
A gentler pace, a quieter palette - Royal Talens
Painting with acrylics

A gentler pace, a quieter palette

For February’s chapter in our yearlong celebration of Amsterdam Acrylics, written by Jeff Olson, we turn our attention to Soft...