A monochromatic color scheme is made up of neutrals, tints, and shades of one general color. By adding white or black to a color, you can create tints and shades, but for more options, you can also mix the compliment of a color to create a neutral tone. For example, if red is the selected color for a monochromatic color scheme, you may choose to mix red and green together to create a grayish-brown neutral of red. A variety of reds can also be created by mixing both white and black to red at the same time. Regardless of all the options for creating variants of a color, remember to ensure that the main color used in the composition is still able to be identified as the dominant color. A monochromatic color scheme can be based on any color, whether primary or secondary, but note that some colors, like yellow, tend to look dull and dingy when mixed with black.

Picasso's color scheme in The Old Guitarist looks clean and elegant. Monochromatic colors go well together, producing a soothing effect. The blue monochromatic scheme is very easy on the eyes. Picasso uses it to establish an overall mood in this painting. What mood does this painting create for you?