1. Value
An Element of Art

2. Value
What is value?
Value is how light or dark an object is (or appears to be)
Value makes objects appear
3-D when they are truly 2-D (flat)

3. Value Can… Create CONTRAST – the difference between light and dark
Create FORM– the illusion of 3D shapes
Create TEXTURE – the surface quality of an object
Create VARIATION – using different values to create interest in an art piece; variation in value helps “set the mood” of the piece

4. Value Creating Contrast
The light hands next to the dark background creates contrast

5. Value creates the sense of eggs on otherwise flat paper
Value Creating Form
Value creates the sense of eggs on otherwise flat paper

6. Value Creating Texture
Value creates the cat’s fur

7. Value Creating Variety
The use of different values in the same drawing creates variety

8. Drawing Value
Value scales are named by how many boxes there are
Below is a six-part value scale
One of the most common ways to learn about value is to make a value scale

9. Tools & Materials GRAPHITE CHARCOAL CONTE CRAYON INK PENS
Charcoal Pencil
Vine Charcoal
CONTE CRAYON
INK PENS
Illustration (mm)
Pen & Ink (India Ink)
GRAPHITE RANGES:
6H, 4H, 2H, F, HB B, 2B, 4B, 6B
TORTILLION/ STUMP (ESTOMPE)
ERASERS
Rubber (Pink Pearl)
Gum Art Eraser
Kneaded Eraser
White Vinyl Eraser

10. Creating Value SHADING
Use the side of your pencil and a tortillion/blender to bring a range of tones to a drawing

11. Creating Value HATCHING
Distinct parallel lines close or far in distance to one another to mimic shading
Not scribbling, precise and intentional

12. Creating Value CROSS-HATCHING
Distinct parallel lines and a second set of lines overlapping to create further value
Usually on a diagonal

13. Creating Value STIPPLING
Small dots close together to form dark value and further in distance to create light value
Methodical not random points

15. Curvature
When drawing, it’s important to make sure your shading follows the form
If your shading doesn’t follow the form, it will visually flatten what you worked so hard to make appear 3D

16. 3 VALUE SCALES Instructions
Use a new paper in your sketchbook, a ruler, and a H pencil
Create 3 rectangles that are 2” x 8” each
2” wide
8” long

17. Next Step… Use the ruler to divide the box into 1” compartments
(You’ll have 8)
Hatching (watch demonstration)
Shading
3) Grey Scales (paper)

18. Shading
Starting with the second box of your top strip, create the lightest value you can
I recommend going SLOWLY and using your 4H pencil
Make it close to white, but a little darker
Like this!

19. Value Scales Continued
Continue this process for each square, making it a little darker than the one before it
Your last square should be as dark as you can make it, without pushing hard
Don’t push so hard you make it “shiny” or break your pencil, rip your paper, etc.