Creating Shapes With Definition Through Value

The easiest way to observe shadows on shapes is to collect a few simple objects (fruit is a popular choice). Or you can accumulate a few boxes, cones and spheres and sit them down in a simple composition on a clean flat surface. Try to pick objects that are a solid color or mostly solid, so that you are not distracted with other writing or designs on the object and not the shadows.You can paint objects a smooth opaque color that reflects light evenly.

Once you have your basic shape laid out, pay attention to the light source. Where is the brightest area on the shape? Is it top or bottom, left or right, in front of or behind the object? This is crucial to identifying where your cast shadow will be and where the gradient area in between falls. Once you know where the light is coming from find the darkest area around the shape. Is it above or below, behind of in front of the object. Also be aware that as you move around your objects the shadows move and your perspective will be different. (Perspective will be covered in a different lesson.)

Contrast is the range of dark to light between values. Contrast gives us depth and makes objects more visible. Contrast gives us the illusion of things close together (low contrast) and things farther apart (high contrast). The darker the darks appear, in return the lighter the lights will appear.

Adding dark areas creates a contrasting affect and "lightens" the lighter colors. So if you want to paint a really bright area, make sure you contrast it with a dark area around/ close to it.

The best thing you can do as a beginner is create a value scale. Do this before you start painting that landscape you love, or the still life that you are dying to do. It wont take long and it helps train the eye to see more accurately the changing values in color and contrast.

Exercise: Take a heavy piece of paper (something that wont wrinkle up on you as you add paint. Bristol board is good for acrylics, 300lb or heavier is good for watercolor). Draw 10 consecutive, evenly distributed blocks (as demonstrated below). Start with the lightest light (white) on one end and the darkest dark on the opposite end (black). the center square should be a 50/50 exact middle value between the black and white values. Now finish the gradient fading into darkest dark on one end to lightest light on the other.

Do this more than once until you have a balanced value scale. You should not have bold jumps in contrasting values. The gradient should feel smooth and believable. If your 6th square is darker than the preceding square (5) and that is in the direct of dark, then you should start over or paint over it the correct shade.

Try to break down the values in steps. Lightest, darkest, and middle values. Once you have these three it is easier to discern the other secondary values on an object. Now you can start with simple forms, a piece of fruit, etc. Draw the outline of the object. Then add the lightest area, the middle value, then the darkest. Paint a cube with three sides visible. The top and two sides facing you. Paint the left side of the cube the darkest, the top of the cube the middle value, then the right side of the cube the lightest. You should have a believable painting with contrasting values. It's simple to start but as you practice you will get better and more complex. Let me know how you do.