Foundations of Design

Chapter 4: Value

Value

Value = The Presence, Absence, or Relationship of blacks, whites and grays in a piece of art.

Tip: Value and the sharp contrast of black and white can be used to create a dramatic effect.

Shades of Gray

Achromatic - grays that mixed from black and white and which do not contain color. The Greek prefix a- means ‘without’

Chromatic - Gray that are made by mixing contrasting colors and that contain color. They are also referred to as gray neutrals.

Value Contrast Value Contrast - the

relative lightness and darkness of a range of grays. The amount of difference

between shades of gray.

Tip: Figures with high value contrast, “pop” or are easily seen.

Fig. 4.4 Gurgles, sucks, and echos, by Roni Horn

Value Pattern

Value Pattern - the variation in light and dark within a work of art and the ways in which they are arranged within a composition.

Two Types of Value Pattern:

1. Low-Contrast

2. High Contrast

Low Key and High Key Values

Low Key = middle gray to black

High Key = middle gray to white

Moods suggested by Low and High Key images:

Low key = somber or relaxed

High key = uplifting and stimulating

Example: High Key

Fig. 4.6 Children of a Lesser God by Hung Liu

Example: Low Key

Fig. 4.7 Street of the Gamblers by Arnold Genthe

Compare and ContrastFig. 4.9 Number 22 by Rothko Fig. 4.10 Black on Gray by Rothko

Chiaroscuro Chiaroscuro - a

gradual shifting from light to dark through a successive gradation of tones across a curved surface. (Chiaroscuro is used to

create the illusion of a 3D object.)

Fig. 4.1 No. 2 by Fang Lijun

TenebrismTenebrism - A technique used by artists to create the illusion

of 3D, which goes quickly from highlights to deep shadow. Tenebrism is more dramatic then chiaroscuro. Tenebrism does not use subtle gradation in the transition

from light to dark. Developed during the 17th Century Heightens the sense of mystery and drama. Created through the use of spotlighting techniques in the

lighting of the subject.

Example of Tenebrism

Fig. 4.15 Judith Decapitating Holofernew by Artemesia Gentileschi

Highlights and Cast Shadows Highlighting - When the

lighted area of an objects are exaggerated or emphasized.

Cast Shadows - the elongated shadows that result from techniques like tenebrism and strong highlighting.

Fig. 4.16 Self-Pieta by Sam Taylor Wood

Use of highlighting and cast shadows in architecture

Fig. 4.18 and Fig 4.19 The Nelson Fine Art Center by Antoine Predock

SilhouettingSilhouette - a shape who’s outline mimics that of a figure or object.

How to create: Place an object behind an opaque screen and light it from behind.

Fig. 4.21 Insurrection! (Our Tools Were Rudimentary Yet We Pressed On) by Kara Walker

Descriptive and Expressive Properties of ValueValues - Black, White and Gray - may be used for:1. Design purposes2. To promote a narrative3. Evoke a emotional response

Fig. 4.22 Arrangement in Grey and Black (Whistler’s Mother) by James Abbbott McNeill