Elements of Art Value

Value  Value is the range from light to dark.

Value: Uses  Value can be used for emphasis.  Variations in value are used to create a focal point for the design of a picture.  What do you look at first in this image? Why?

 A light figure on a dark background will be immediately recognized as the center of attention.  We do not look at the shadows, but instead the lighter areas of the image.

 Similarly for a dark figure on a mostly white background.

Judith Beheading Holofernes Caravaggio

Caravaggio

Creating Dimension  Without shading, the image looks flat, two- dimensional.  The contour of the hand is defined correctly but lacks volume.

Creating Dimension  Areas of light and dark can give a three- dimensional impression.  Shading creates realistic lighting.

Creating Dimension  Image is made up of: Highlights Midtones Shadows