1. Foundations of Design
Chapter 4: Value

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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:
Low-Contrast
High Contrast

6. 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

7. Fig. 4.6 Children of a Lesser God by Hung Liu
Example: High Key
Fig. 4.6 Children of a Lesser God by Hung Liu

8. Fig. 4.7 Street of the Gamblers by Arnold Genthe
Example: Low Key
Fig. 4.7 Street of the Gamblers by Arnold Genthe

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

10. 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

11. Tenebrism
Tenebrism - 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.

12. Fig. 4.15 Judith Decapitating Holofernew by Artemesia Gentileschi
Example of Tenebrism
Fig Judith Decapitating Holofernew by Artemesia Gentileschi

13. 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 Self-Pieta by Sam Taylor Wood

14. Use of highlighting and cast shadows in architecture
Fig and Fig 4.19 The Nelson Fine Art Center by Antoine Predock

15. Silhouetting
Silhouette - 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 Insurrection! (Our Tools Were Rudimentary Yet We Pressed On) by Kara Walker

16. Descriptive and Expressive Properties of Value
Values - Black, White and Gray - may be used for:
Design purposes
To promote a narrative
Evoke a emotional response
Fig Arrangement in Grey and Black (Whistler’s Mother) by James Abbbott McNeill