Value Self Portrait

Purposes: 

To determine where values change when light moves over an uneven surface by using a range of values to paint the different values in a realistic, monochromatic self-portrait;

To effectively communicate an image that looks like you through careful examination of the values and structure of your face.

The key factor that is necessary to paint facial features is value contrast. Value contrast is important because it lets the artist make distinctions between certain features. For example, if the hair was one color and the face was the same color, that would make it seem as if the hair and face were the same entity, making for a bland and boring painting. But if the artist shows the contrast between every little detail, the viewer can recognize certain facial features, and where they connect and disconnect from one another.