1.4: Techniques for Controlling Value
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- 341303
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Techniques for Controlling Value
Controlling value, the element of art that denotes the lightness or darkness of a color or tone, is fundamental in creating depth, volume, and emphasis in artwork. Artists have developed techniques to manipulate value effectively, each offering a unique texture, contrast, and mood approach. These techniques—hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending, and chiaroscuro—are essential tools in the artist's repertoire, allowing for a rich variety of expression and realism.
Hatching
Hatching involves drawing closely spaced parallel lines to build up light and dark areas. The density and spacing of the lines determine the value; closer, denser lines create darker areas, while more spaced-out lines represent lighter areas. This technique is particularly effective for adding details and shading in drawings, creating texture and depth with a relatively simple method.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ful_cost/3193720465/ ” (hatching) by Gustave Courbet, via https://www.flickr.com/photos/ful_cost/3193720465/ is licensed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en
Cross-hatching
Cross-hatching builds on the concept of hatching but adds another layer of complexity by overlaying sets of parallel lines at an angle to the first, creating a mesh-like pattern. This technique allows for even finer value gradations and can create more dynamic textures and deeper levels of shadow, enhancing the three-dimensional illusion.22
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/391135(crosshatching) by Albrecht Durer is in the public domain
Stippling
Stippling uses dots instead of lines, where the concentration and size of dots are varied to depict different values. Closer, larger dots create darker values, while lighter areas are achieved with fewer, smaller dots. This technique requires patience but can produce highly detailed and textured effects, suitable for achieving a wide range of tonal
depth without using traditional shading.
Scribbling
Scribbling is a versatile artistic technique that uses loose, rapid marks to add texture, tone, and form to artwork. It suits preliminary sketches or
final touches and supports various artistic styles. This method allows artists to convey energy, movement, and emotional intensity within a piece, while encouraging a personal touch and a connection between the artist and the viewer. It is a valuable tool for exploring artwork's value, depth, and texture.
Lady Gaga (Stippling)" Art 5A student is used with permission.
Blending
Blending is a technique for creating smooth transitions between light and dark areas without the apparent texture that hatching and stippling provide. Depending on the medium, this can be achieved with various tools, including fingers, blending stumps, or brushes. Blending is critical to creating soft, realistic gradients in drawings and paintings, contributing to the illusion of form and volume.
Chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro, an Italian term for "light-dark," refers to the dramatic effect of contrasting light and dark areas in an artwork. This technique controls value and creates a compelling composition using light and shadow. Originating during the Renaissance, chiaroscuro enhances the three-dimensional form, directs the viewer's focus, and evokes mood. Artists like Caravaggio are renowned for their mastery of chiaroscuro, using it to create powerful narratives and emotional depth.
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Baglione#/media/File:Baglione.jpg (Chiaroscuro) by Giovanni Baglione is in the Public Domain.
Rendering
Rendering is a technique used in drawing to create realistic representations of subjects by manipulating value and contrast. This involves layering and refining tones to create subtle nuances of light and shadow to achieve a lifelike appearance. Mastering value control through various techniques is vital for artists to bring their creative visions to life on the canvas. Understanding and applying these methods empower artists to create captivating and life like artwork, whether aiming for subtle gradations or dramatic contrasts. By observing and replicating the interaction of light with objects and adjusting the intensity, distribution, and gradation of values, artists can suggest volume and spatial relationships, effectively creating the illusion of three-dimensionality on a flat surface. The strategic use of value contrast allows artists to skillfully direct the viewer's gaze, highlight focal points, and convey a specific mood or atmosphere in their artwork. 23
Conclusion
You have taken the first important step toward unlocking your artistic potential by exploring the fundamental techniques and principles discussed here. Drawing is not just about mastering skills but also about unleashing creativity and personal expression. As you move forward, continue to practice and explore, pushing the boundaries of your artistic abilities. With dedication and perseverance, you will continue to grow and evolve as an artist. So, stay inspired, stay curious, and keep drawing! Remember, the sky is the limit when it comes to expressing your creativity