Value and Texture
Value Value in simplest terms, is light and dark, and any variation between the two. Value Relationships A values lightness or darkness is dependent upon its relationship with other values in a work of art. Light Form and volume is the result of the presence or absence of light.
Value contrast contrast of adjacent areas of light and dark (low-high) Value relative to what other values are around it
Value Pattern The arrangement of light and dark, and the variation of it within a design (also Value Composition). Squint to see Value Relationships bare essentials, no color, no subject matter just shapes or light and dark > composition
High Key- A value composition in which most values in the design are on the light end of the value scale. Mid Key- A design in which most values are in the middle of the value scale. Low Key- A design in which most values are on the dark side of the value scale.
Value comes before color Most artists are unaware of the value pattern they create when they paint with color. Our choice of color is not if we want to use orange or red, but how dark or light an orange or red to use. If the values are right the painting will read relatively well no matter what color you use.
Properties of Light & Shadow Achromatic Grays- Grays mixed only by using black and white (without color). Chromatic Grays- Grays mixed from colors that are complementary or opposite(also called neutrals)
Value use Time of day Three-dimensionality of the scene Direct viewers attention to an area To create emphasis To add meaning To establish mood
Value as Emphasis Creating focal points or centers of interest are one of many uses for value in design. The greater the contrast the greater the potential for creating attention. By planning high contrast in one area and subduing value contrast elsewhere, the artist will be assured where the viewer s eye will be directed. The viewer may be directed through the composition by a number of focal points placed throughout the composition and varying in strength.
Mood Value contributes greatly to our emotional response in viewing a work of art. Mid-tones in the center of scale: more neutral Closely related values are calm and quiet. Low-key values = darker than mid-tones solemn, mysterious High-key values = lighter than mid-tones understated, calm,tranquil Sharp value contrast suggest drama, excitement, even conflict, and mystery.
Objects Round object gradual change in value Angular surfaces distinct areas of contrasting light and dark The side closest to the light source will be the lightest. It will also prevent light from reaching anything else behind the object and create shadows.
Shadows Core shadow = dark part of an object, away from the light source; attached to an object or encompasses a space Cast shadow = projected from the illuminated object onto other objects or the background Use shadows in your composition, move viewer s eye Highlight = highest value on a modeled form (can become the focal point)
Distance Light and dark Can be used to create feeling of distance Dark contrasty forms in foreground Light and low contrast in the background
Value and Space The illusion of atmospheric perspective and space may be achieved with value only and does not require color. The illusion of volume requires the ability to control values that appear to imitate the properties of light and shadow. Chiaroscuro - a word coined during the Renaissance which means light and dark. It is the process of using light and dark to imply depth and volume.
Texture Texture refers to the surface appearance of objects. It is the design element that appeals most to our sense of touch.
Actual Texture Texture that can actually be felt. Burlap, cement, brushed aluminum, polished silver, wood, plastic and any material that is used in the creation of objects.
Though an image may be considered to have only two dimensions: it may also have actual texture either applied to its surface (collage) or texture may be created with thick paint application. Impasto - The use of thick paint. Van Gogh was an early exponent of the actual application of paint as an expressive element.
Implied Texture Texture that appears to be real but whose sensory impact is only visual and cannot be felt.
Trompe L oeil A French term meaning to fool the eye Images are painted or rendered precisely and accurately with exacting care to assure that illusion deceives the viewer into believing they are viewing reality.
Texture and Pattern Pattern is described as an image with repetitive design elements.
Texture of the Image The texture of the marks, colors, values, and patterns either real or implied.