Creating Value

For the project on the left, I created two value scales, the first one on top separated into boxes containing solid shades that go from dark to light, and a second one on bottom with a smooth transition. On the right is a self portrait that I composed using the same skills and techniques as those that I used in the values scales. In both projects I tried to incorporate a full range of value and practice shading and blending skills.

To create both of the value scales, I used a paperboard value scale as a guide. I started with the lighter shades on the right and moved left, getting progressively darker. I then went over all of the parts, shading and erasing where needed. In the self portrait I first chose a photo of myself to copy and made it black and white, and then high contrast for the full range of value. Then I used a grid over the picture and a light grid over my paper. I used a view finder to look at individual squares of the grid and draw (using shading and varying values) the squares one by one. In each project I used a range of values–created with pencils of different graphite density and tortillions to blend shades for smooth transitions–to match the values that were shown on the value scale and in the picture.

We did the value scale assignment as an introduction to shading. This was a good way to practice shading techniques such as applying different amount of pressure and using tortillions to blend different shades. It was also a good way to work with a full range of value, similar to what was used in the self portrait. I chose this picture for my self portrait because even before editing, the picture had a pretty wide range of value, from the near-white sun reflection in my hair to an extremely dark shirt. I also happen to like the composition of the picture which made it more fun to draw.