1.4 Value

Value is the unsung hero of art, shaping how we perceive depth and form in 2D works. It's all about the lightness or darkness of colors, creating the illusion of volume and space on flat surfaces.

Artists use various techniques to manipulate value, from adjusting pressure to blending and hatching. Understanding value is key to creating compelling compositions, establishing focal points, and conveying mood in artwork.

Definition of value

• Value refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a color or tone in a work of art
• Plays a crucial role in creating the illusion of form, depth, and volume on a two-dimensional surface
• Closely related to the concept of shading, which is the process of adding value to create the appearance of light and shadow

Lightness or darkness

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Top images from around the web for Lightness or darkness

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  Between Lightness & Dark (After Chagall Dream) | Draw an ima… | Flickr View original

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  The Atlantis Blog: Z-Depth Layers In DAZ Studio with Mood Master 2 View original

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  Between Lightness & Dark (After Chagall Dream) | Draw an ima… | Flickr View original

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• Lightness describes how close a value is to pure white, while darkness describes how close it is to pure black
• Artists manipulate the lightness or darkness of values to create a sense of form and depth
• The arrangement of light and dark values can also convey mood, atmosphere, and visual hierarchy

Relationship to shading

• Shading involves the gradual transition from light to dark values or from one value to another
• Artists use shading techniques to create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a flat surface
• Effective shading requires a strong understanding of how light interacts with objects and surfaces

Value scale

• A value scale is a tool used by artists to organize and visualize the range of values from black to white
• Typically consists of a gradient of values, starting with pure black on one end and gradually transitioning to pure white on the other
• Artists use value scales as a reference to ensure consistent and accurate representation of values in their work

Range from black to white

• The value scale encompasses the full range of values from the darkest possible (black) to the lightest possible (white)
• Artists can create a wide variety of values by mixing black and white or by adjusting the pressure and density of their marks
• Understanding the full range of values helps artists create convincing illusions of form, depth, and light

Grayscale vs color

• Grayscale refers to a value scale that consists only of black, white, and shades of gray
• Color value scales incorporate the inherent lightness or darkness of different hues in addition to black and white
• Artists must consider both grayscale and color values when working with colored media to achieve the desired effect

Creating value

• Artists employ various techniques and tools to create a range of values in their work
• The choice of technique depends on the medium, desired effect, and personal artistic style
• Mastering value creation techniques is essential for achieving realistic and expressive drawings or paintings

Pressure and mark-making

• Artists can create different values by varying the pressure they apply to their drawing tool (pencil, charcoal, etc.)
• Lighter pressure results in lighter values, while heavier pressure creates darker values
• The type of mark (e.g., dots, lines, or scribbles) and the density of the marks also affect the perceived value

Blending and gradation

• Blending involves smoothing the transition between different values to create a gradual shift from light to dark or vice versa
• Artists can use tools like blending stumps, tortillons, or their fingers to blend values and create soft, smooth gradations
• Gradation is the gradual transition from one value to another, creating a sense of form and depth

Hatching and cross-hatching

• Hatching is a shading technique that involves drawing parallel lines to create value
• The closer the lines are together, the darker the value appears; the farther apart the lines are, the lighter the value appears
• Cross-hatching involves layering hatched lines at different angles to create denser, darker values and add visual texture

Value in composition

• The arrangement and interaction of values within a composition play a significant role in the overall impact and success of an artwork
• Artists use value to create a sense of depth, establish focal points, and convey mood and atmosphere
• Effective use of value can make a composition more engaging, dynamic, and emotionally resonant

Creating depth and volume

• By manipulating values, artists can create the illusion of three-dimensional depth and volume on a flat surface
• Objects that are closer to the viewer are typically rendered with a wider range of values, while objects further away have a narrower value range
• The strategic placement of light and dark values can also create the illusion of volume and form

Establishing focal points

• Artists can use value contrast to draw the viewer's attention to specific areas within a composition
• Placing a light value against a dark background, or vice versa, creates a strong focal point
• The careful arrangement of values can guide the viewer's eye through the composition and emphasize the most important elements

Conveying mood and atmosphere

• The overall value structure of a composition can evoke specific moods, emotions, and atmospheres
• High-contrast value schemes with strong darks and lights can create a sense of drama, intensity, or mystery
• Low-contrast value schemes with a narrower range of values can convey a sense of calm, subtlety, or softness

Light sources and shadows

• Understanding how light interacts with objects is crucial for creating convincing and realistic value structures in art
• Artists must consider the direction, intensity, and quality of the light source when rendering values
• The interaction between light and objects results in the formation of shadows, highlights, and reflected light

Direction and intensity

• The direction of the light source determines the placement and orientation of shadows and highlights on an object
• Light sources can be directional (e.g., sunlight or a lamp) or diffuse (e.g., overcast sky or indirect indoor lighting)
• The intensity of the light source affects the contrast between light and dark values and the sharpness of the shadows

Cast shadows vs form shadows

• Cast shadows are the shadows that an object casts onto another surface or object
• Form shadows are the shadows that occur on the object itself, created by the interaction between the light source and the object's volume
• Accurately rendering both cast shadows and form shadows is essential for creating a convincing sense of depth and form

Highlights and reflected light

• Highlights are the brightest areas on an object where the light source directly strikes the surface
• Reflected light occurs when light bounces off nearby surfaces and illuminates areas that would otherwise be in shadow
• Including highlights and reflected light in value structures adds realism and depth to the artwork

Value contrast

• Value contrast refers to the difference in lightness or darkness between adjacent values in a composition
• The degree of value contrast can significantly impact the overall mood, visual interest, and emphasis of an artwork
• Artists can manipulate value contrast to create specific effects and guide the viewer's eye through the composition

High contrast vs low contrast

• High contrast compositions feature a wide range of values with strong darks and lights
• High contrast can create a sense of drama, intensity, and visual excitement
• Low contrast compositions have a narrower range of values and more subtle transitions between light and dark
• Low contrast can evoke a sense of calm, harmony, and subtlety

Emphasis and visual interest

• Areas of high value contrast naturally draw the viewer's attention and create focal points within a composition
• Strategically placing high contrast areas can help guide the viewer's eye and emphasize the most important elements
• Varying the degree of value contrast throughout a composition can create visual interest and keep the viewer engaged

Value in different media

• The techniques and tools used to create value can vary depending on the medium an artist is working with
• Each medium has its own unique characteristics and challenges when it comes to rendering values
• Artists must adapt their value creation techniques to suit the specific properties of their chosen medium

Graphite and charcoal

• Graphite pencils come in a range of hardnesses that produce different values, from light (H) to dark (B)
• Charcoal is a versatile medium that can create a wide range of values, from delicate lights to rich, deep darks
• Both graphite and charcoal can be blended, erased, and layered to create smooth gradations and detailed value structures

Ink and wash

• Ink and wash is a technique that combines line work (usually in black ink) with diluted ink or watercolor washes to create value
• The line work provides structure and definition, while the washes add depth, tone, and atmosphere
• Artists can vary the opacity and layering of the washes to achieve a range of values and effects

Digital value techniques

• Digital art software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Procreate) offers a wide range of tools for creating and manipulating values
• Digital artists can use brushes, opacity settings, and layers to create smooth gradations and precise value structures
• The ability to easily adjust and edit values digitally allows for greater flexibility and experimentation in value composition

Famous examples of value

• Throughout art history, many renowned artists have demonstrated mastery over the use of value in their work
• Studying famous examples of value in art can provide valuable insights and inspiration for contemporary artists
• Observing how master artists have employed value techniques can help deepen one's understanding and appreciation of the role of value in art

Renaissance chiaroscuro

• Chiaroscuro is an Italian term meaning "light-dark," referring to the strong contrast between light and shadow in art
• Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio popularized the use of chiaroscuro to create dramatic, three-dimensional effects
• Chiaroscuro became a defining characteristic of Baroque art, emphasizing the interplay between light and shadow

Rembrandt's masterful lighting

• Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is renowned for his masterful use of light and shadow in his paintings and etchings
• Rembrandt's work often features a single, strong light source that illuminates the subject and creates a sense of depth and volume
• The artist's strategic placement of highlights and shadows imbues his subjects with a sense of psychological depth and emotional intensity

Modern and contemporary usage

• Modern and contemporary artists continue to explore the expressive and compositional possibilities of value in their work
• Abstract expressionists like Franz Kline and Robert Motherwell used bold, high-contrast value structures to create powerful, emotive compositions
• Contemporary artists like Chuck Close and Kehinde Wiley employ intricate value patterns and gradations to create hyper-realistic, visually striking portraits