Lena Rivera
In painting, values refer to the tonal differences between light and dark areas of a painting, and the range refers to the variety of values used. Artists often use a value scale to identify specific values and add them to appropriate spots in their paintings. While there is an infinite range of values in reality, artists simplify this range to a scale of 1 to 9 or 10. This simplification helps artists create harmony in their artworks by promoting consistency in the use of values. Understanding values is crucial for creating the illusion of form, light, and space in a painting. Artists can use a limited range of values to create a glowing or glimmering effect, as seen in some of Claude Monet's paintings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Absolute true values cannot be achieved | True |
| Bright light is brighter than white paint or paper | True |
| Color can be deceptive as to value | True |
| Thick paint can increase the value | True |
| Artists can attach elegance to common subjects through color and value | True |
| There is an infinite range of values | True |
| Eyes can see about a thousand steps of values | True |
| Artists prefer a limited range of values | True |
| Artists use a value scale as they work | True |
| A full range of value is aesthetically pleasing | True |
| Value creates the illusion of form, light, and space | True |
| Impressionists used close secondary values to create luminosity and vibrant color contrast | True |
| Squinting is the best technique for determining secondary values | True |
| Artists have a limited value range to work with | True |
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What You'll Learn
Limitations of paint and paper
The texture of the paper is also important. Smooth 'hot-pressed' papers are better for artists who wish to include a lot of detail in their work, whereas 'cold-pressed' or 'rough' papers may be better for artists who work in a looser style. Rough paper is the most textured and is ideal for artists who want to work loosely without a lot of detail. The paint pools on the surface of rough paper, creating interesting effects, and is popular with landscape artists.
The weight of the paper is also a key consideration. Heavyweight papers are the most durable and are the least vulnerable to tearing or other accidental damage. They are also less prone to buckling when paint is applied, which is especially important when using watercolours. For acrylic painting projects, the paper weight should be at least 120gsm, and heavyweight paper yields better results.
The absorbency of the paper is another important factor. Watercolour paper is very absorbent, meaning the artist has less time to adjust or remove the paint before it sinks into the paper fibres. This can also lead to increased paint consumption. However, this absorbency can be reduced by coating the paper with gesso, which also smooths the paper.
The type of paint used is also significant. Oil paint can be used on paper, but the paper must be primed first or it will degrade over time. Alternatively, specialist oil paper can be used.
Finally, the thickness of the paint layer will affect the drying time. Thick layers of paint dry more slowly than thin layers. This is because the top and bottom layers of the paint dry first, and the paint in between these layers dries the slowest as it is encased with nowhere to evaporate to.
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Using a value scale
The concept of "value" in art is the relative lightness or darkness of a colour. Artists use a value scale to understand and organise different shades from light to dark. Value scales are depicted in grayscale, making it easier to see and evaluate values according to brightness.
One of the most common value scales is the Denman Ross version, a nine-step graduated scale introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. Each step increases incrementally in tonal value but is still easily discernible to the eye. Another popular value scale is the Munsell version, which typically includes 10 steps from white to black, labelled 1 to 10. The simplest version of this tool is a three-step value scale: black, white, and grey (light, dark, and mid-tones).
Many artists prefer to use a limited value range in their artworks, as it can help promote harmony in the painting. It is easier to retain consistency with a limited range. For example, Claude Monet used a high-key value range in many of his paintings, producing a glimmering effect that was perfect for bright, glaring scenes.
When creating a value scale, it is recommended to use a sturdy drawing board, good-quality drawing paper, a selection of drawing pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B), and a kneaded eraser. The purpose of this exercise is to learn about value, so it is best to use a black pencil instead of a coloured one.
To begin, choose a middle value and work inwards towards the darkest and lightest values. The neighbouring values on the scale should be similar enough that when you put them side by side and squint, they almost merge together. This technique will help you judge the accuracy of your values.
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The role of light and dark
The interplay of light and dark, also known as values, is essential to the art of painting. Artists cannot achieve absolute true values as light in real life is brighter than any white paint or paper can ever be. Similarly, darkness in real life can be deeper than black paint or paper. This means that artists have a limited value range to work with.
To simplify the infinite range of values that the human eye can perceive, artists typically use a scale of 1 to 9 or 10, with 1 being pure white and 10 being pure black. Each colour in a painting can be placed somewhere on this scale. Artists do not need to use all the values on the scale and often prefer to use a limited range of values to promote harmony in their artwork.
The Impressionists, for example, were known for their use of close secondary values, which created a sense of luminosity and vibrant colour contrast. They applied thick paint to their canvases, allowing the natural light to catch and raise the value of the colours. In Claude Monet's paintings, such as "Impression" and "Grainstacks in the Sunlight, Morning Effect," he used a limited range of mid to high values to create a glimmering or glowing effect.
On the other hand, artists can also create a sense of depth and form in their paintings by using a full range of values, from light to dark. This can be achieved through the use of tints (light values) and shades (dark values). By utilising a value scale, artists can identify specific values and add them to their paintings, creating a sense of harmony and contrast.
Understanding the role of light and dark is fundamental to painting. By drawing in black and white using charcoal or graphite, artists can focus on the values without the complexity of colour. This helps to develop a solid knowledge base for incorporating colour effectively in their paintings.
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Colour and its value
While there is an infinite range of values in reality, artists typically simplify this range into a scale of 1 to 9 or 10, with 1 being pure black and 10 being pure white. Each colour in a painting can be placed somewhere on this scale. Artists do not need to use all the values on the scale and often prefer to use a limited range of values to promote harmony in their work.
Colours with values closer to 1 are called shades, while those with values closer to 10 are called tints. A full range of values in a painting means having ample amounts of both light and dark values. This balance between light and dark values is essential for creating aesthetically pleasing artwork.
The Impressionists, for example, were known for their focus on colour rather than value contrasts. They used close secondary values to create a sense of luminosity and vibrant colour contrast. In contrast, Claude Monet often used a broader value range, such as bright yellows and oranges against a dark foreground, to create a glowing effect in his paintings.
Understanding the value of colours is crucial for painters. It allows them to create depth, form, and texture in their work. By simplifying the infinite range of values into a manageable scale, artists can effectively plan their paintings and create visually appealing compositions.
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Creating harmony
In reality, artists cannot achieve absolute true values. The brightness of the sun, for instance, cannot be replicated with white paint or paper. Instead, painters aim to represent the correct values from the lightest to the darkest, creating a full range of values in their work. This interplay between light and dark values, often referred to as tints and shades, is essential for creating visually pleasing and successful artworks.
To achieve harmony, artists can use a value scale as a guide while working. This scale helps them identify specific values and place them in the appropriate spots within the composition. By ensuring a balance between light and dark values, painters can create a sense of unity and coherence in their work. For example, in Claude Monet's paintings, he often used a limited range of high values, creating a glimmering effect perfect for bright, glaring scenes.
Additionally, understanding the relationship between value and colour is essential for creating harmony. While colour can be deceptive in terms of value, artists can use techniques such as applying thick paint to capture natural light and increase the value. The Impressionists, for instance, were known for their focus on colour rather than value contrasts, creating a sense of luminosity and vibrant colour contrast.
Ultimately, creating harmony through values and their ranges requires a deep understanding of the principles of value and colour. By simplifying the infinite range of values, using value scales, and carefully considering the interplay between light and dark values, artists can achieve harmony and create aesthetically pleasing artworks.
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Frequently asked questions
Values in painting refer to the degree of light and dark in a colour. The range is the number of values between white and black.
Understanding values and range can help promote harmony in a painting. It is also important to understand values and range to create the illusion of form, light, and space.
You can use a value scale to identify specific values and add them to appropriate spots in your painting. You can also squint to determine secondary values.
Artists often simplify the infinite range of values into a scale of 1 to 9 or 10. You can further simplify this by starting with a 2-value scale (white and black) or a 3-value scale (white, black, and mid-grey).
You can create contrast by using a full range of values, with ample amounts of light values (tints) and dark values (shades). You can also vary the range of secondary values to create value contrasts, as seen in the works of Impressionists and John Constable.
