Value:
Drawing an Object
Willem de Kooning
Value Drawing an Object
�
Value can be used to create volume in a drawing.
Volume is created when an object is drawn to look 3-dimensional.
In this lesson we will draw a round object with a range of value to show volume.
You will need:
Value Drawing an Object
Adding value to a shape will create the illusion of volume.
Volume is when a drawn object appears 3-dimensional.
Light Source is the place where light comes from.
Highlights are areas on an object that catch the most light.
Mid Tone is an area with little highlight or shadow.
Shadow is the darkest area on an actual object
Cast Shadow is the shadow made by the object.
Value Drawing an Object
Position your round object on a clean surface.
A ball, a piece of fruit, an egg, or even a mug will work great for this drawing.
It will be easier for you to see your cast shadow if you place your object on a white surface.
Value Drawing an Object
�
The position of a light source affects the highlights and shadows on an object.
�How does the size of the highlight and cast shadow change when we change the position of the light source?�
When the light source is close to and above the lemon, the highlight is very large, and the cast shadow is very long.
Value Drawing an Object
�
When the light source is farther away and higher above the lemon, the highlight and the cast shadow are smaller.
Value Drawing an Object
�
When there are two light sources, there are two highlights and two cast shadows.
Value Drawing an Object
Identify the values on and around your object.
Notice that there is a range of value throughout the lemon and its cast shadow.
Use your value scale from the last class to determine where values belong on your object.
*The photo has been changed from color to black and white to make the values clearer.
1 2 3 4 5 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
Highlight Mid-tones Shadows
Value Drawing an Object
Draw the outline of your object including the cast shadow.
Try slowly tracing the outline of your object with your finger before you start drawing. ��When you’re ready, lightly sketch the outline of your object and cast shadow.
Try to draw your object to fill your entire page.
Value Drawing an Object
Work from light to dark.
It’s always easy to make our drawings darker, and some materials can't be easily erased.
Where is the highlight on your object? Can you see more than one?
Outline your highlight as a reminder to keep it white or a light tint.
Value Drawing an Object
Add a mid-tone to your object.
Where is the mid-tone on your object?
Look at your object and add your mid-tone to all the places it belongs.
In which direction will you add value to your object?
Working in the direction of object curves creates a more rounded look.
Value Drawing an Object
Add shadow on your object.
Where does the shadow fall on your object?
What value will best describe it?
Add value slowly with layers ��What happens when you go in different directions?
Value Drawing an Object
Fill in the cast shadow.
What value or values best represent what you see in the cast shadow?
Fill in your cast shadow with the appropriate values.
Value Drawing an Object
Complete your Drawing.
Did you use a full range of value in your drawing?
Did you include all the necessary details?
Look over your drawing and make sure you’ve done your best to accurately depict all values and details.
Value Drawing an Object
Keep Practicing!
Artists need to practice their skills to see improvement.
Try drawing a different object with value!
Eli, Grade 7
Rachel, Grade 7
Value Drawing an Object
Giorgio Morandi, Still Life, 1930
Looking the different ways that artists use value can inspire more ideas.
Check out these artists who use value in their work:
How did these artists use value similarly/different?
Which artists use smooth transitions? How does it affect their drawing?
�Which artist’s work do you like the most? Why?