Embedded Files
Value drawing of a piece of drapery.
Value is the element of art that defines the lightness or darkness of a color. Value is used in a work of art to represent a realistic sense of light and shadow and is arguably one of the most important elements of art when attempting to create realism.
In order to have value in a drawing, you must have a light source. The values within your work should all correspond to the direction of your light source, with objects facing towards the light source being lighter and objects facing away being darker. The example drawing of drapery to the left has a light source coming from the left side of the image. Highlights can be seen on the left side of each fold, with dark shadows on the right. Midtones are used to represent the transition between light and shadow as the folds curve away from the light source.
Value Unit - Assignments and Activities
Value Unit - Assignments and Activities
Value Scales and Gradation Strip
Value Scales and Gradation Strip
Students will create a series of value scales using graphite shading pencils to practice and demonstrate their ability to create a wide range of smooth, even gray tone values. Starting with a 3 step value scale, students will demonstrate their ability to achieve a light, medium and dark value. Students will then create a 6 step value scale, followed by a 9 step value scale, breaking down their values into smaller increments. Finally, Students will create a gradation strip that demonstrates the ability to smoothly blend from one value to another.
Students will be evaluated on the ability to create smooth, even gray tone values with no discernible directional pencil marks. The key to achieving this look is soft, elliptical motions with the side of the graphite and layering to build up your tones.
Value Practice - Optical Illusion w/ NO OUTLINES
Value Practice - Optical Illusion w/ NO OUTLINES
Students will select ONE of the following two assignments to complete in their sketchbooks. The objective of each of these assignments is to practice applying smooth, consistent values to shapes to create the illusion of a 3-dimensional surface. Students will also practice and apply using contrasting value to define edges instead of outlines.
Option 1: Optical Illusion Cubes (Beginner)
Students will utilize the template provided in class to trace the design into their sketchbooks, then shade a minimum of 6 cubes using flat, even applications of light, medium and dark.
Option 2: Value Gradation Exercise (Advanced)
Students will trace a 4"x6" index card in their sketchbooks, then draw approximately 8-12 curvy, organic lines that connect from one edge of the rectangle to another. In the resulting shapes that are formed by these overlapping lines, students will shade a gradation of light to dark, with the goal being contrasting value along each edge and no visible outlines.
Students may complete both assignments for extra credit.
Optical Illusion Cubes
Value Gradation Exercise
Chiaroscuro Sphere
Chiaroscuro Sphere
For this assignment, students will create a drawing of a three-dimensional sphere using graphite rendering based on the concepts of chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro, in art, is the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition. It is also a technical term used by artists for the use of contrasts of light to achieve a sense of volume in modelling three-dimensional objects and figures.
When rendering a three dimensional form using the concepts of chiaroscuro, the artist should utilize a strong directional light source. The values within the drawing will be determined by the angle of the light and how it falls across the form. The following areas of value should be seen in the form:
Highlight - The area that is directly pointing towards the light source. This should be the brightest value in the image.
Transitional Midtones - as the object turns away from the light there will be a smooth, gradual transition from light to dark. Be very conscious of the surface of the form and how the values would curve around the object.
Core Shadow - The core shadow is the darkest value on the surface of the object, located opposite of the highlight.
Reflected Light - Light bounces off of surfaces and objects and reflects onto others. This can typically be seen on the bottom of objects, just before you reach the edge, and is represented by a slightly lighter mid-tone value than the core shadow.
Cast Shadow - cast shadows are shadows that are cast onto the surface an object is sitting on or objects next to it based upon how the object is blocking the light from the light source. The size and shape of cast shadows is determined by the proximity and direction of the light source.
Observation Practice - Boxes and Strip of Paper
Observation Practice - Boxes and Strip of Paper
Students will select ONE of the following two assignments to complete in their sketchbooks. The objective of each of these assignments is to practice drawing and shading three dimensional forms from observation. Remember to apply smooth, consistent values and use contrasting value to define edges instead of outlines.
Option 1: Geometric Blocks
Students will choose 2 geometric blocks to arrange on the table in front of them with a directional light source. Students will draw the blocks from observation, paying attention to accurate proportions and perspective. Student will then apply smooth graphite rendering to shade the values of the forms based on what they observe in the blocks.
Option 2: Folded Strip of Paper
Students will fold a 2"x9" strip of paper a minimum of 3-4 times, then arrange the strip of paper in front of them with a directional light source. Students will draw the strip from observation, paying attention to accurate proportions and perspective. Students will then apply smooth graphite rendering to shade the values of the form based on what they observe in their folded strip.
Students may complete both assignments for extra credit.
Geometric Blocks
Folded Strip of Paper
Value Still Life Project
Value Still Life Project
Students will apply their knowledge of observational drawing and graphite rendering to create a drawing of a still life (grouping of objects) with an interesting, cropped composition and a full value range.
Procedures:
Work together as a table group and select a minimum of 5-8 objects to arrange as a still life on each table. Think about size, placement, and variety of objects to create an interesting subject to draw from. Objects should be arranged in a way that they create an interesting grouping for all students at the table.
Create a series of 3 thumbnail drawings in your sketchbook of various crops and compositions. You may choose to zoom in to focus on only a small section of your chosen grouping. Be considerate of creating balance within your compositions. You may utilize your camera on your smartphone to assist with composition choices.
Choose the thumbnail that you believe has the strongest composition to use for your final project and begin sketching lightly in pencil on your drawing paper.
Render your still life using a full value range in graphite pencil. Pay attention to craftsmanship and make sure you are creating smooth, even tones with no rough pencil marks visible.
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