top of page
Search

Value Project

Introduction to Value

ree

Introduction: This week, we will focus on the Element of Art: Value — the lightness and darkness of tones or colors. In art, creating value is often called shading. Mastering value is essential for creating depth, dimension, and realism in your work.


Learning Goals

By the end of this week, you will:

  • Understand what value means as an element of art.

  • Observe how artists use value to create contrast and depth.

  • Practice shading by creating a 5-point value scale.

  • Apply your shading skills to design an optical illusion drawing.


Essential Question

What does value in art do to our perception?How does adding value to a work of art change the way we see it?
ree

Video Lesson: The Element of Value

Watch the video below to prepare for your notes on Value.

Value Notes and Project Planning

Value Exercise

  • On a scratch piece of paper, practice your shading skills by creating a 5 value scale.

  • Measure out a 1 inch by 5 inch column. Mark the sides every inch so that you can create 5, 1"x1", boxes.

  • The first box will be white and the last will be as dark as you can get it, with light to darker grays in between as seen in example below.

ree

  • Draw a circle at least the size of a quarter or 1 inch in diameter.

  • Shade the circle to make it appear to look like a sphere with the lights and darks seen in example below.

  • Keep in mind you will want to curve your shading with the curve of the circle to create a round feeling of the form. If you don't do this your sphere will appear flat.

  • Add the labels in the same places seen below. 

ree

Value Project Plan

Project Overview

You will apply your knowledge of value to create an optical illusion drawing. Follow the instructions carefully — precision and patience are key to success!

ree

Materials Needed

  • 8" x 8" drawing paper

  • Pencil

  • Ruler or straight edge

  • 1–3 colored pencils (optional for finishing touches)

Directions

  1. Section off paper in 8 sections using a ruler. First lay the ruler on your paper  so it touches the opposite corners. then draw a soft line. Repeat with opposite corners. This will make an x on your paper. Now lay your ruler on the edge of your paper and measure to 5 inches and make a mark. `connect the marks vertically across your paper. This will make it look like there is a + on top of your x. 

  2. Make 5-6 upward curved lines in one of the 8 sections. 

  3. In the following section connect 5-6 downward curved lines.

  4. Repeat this pattern till each section is filled 

  5. Make sure all your lines connect with each other and remember it's okay for the lines to look like they connect off of the paper. 

  6. Choose between cold and warm colors and follow the pattern example 


Video Tutorial


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page