Unit 4
Value
total points: 210
Value
Ok, time to kick things up a notch! Let's start adding value to our drawings. In a nutshell, value is all the shadows and highlights that we see because of the light that illuminates us and the objects we want to draw. Adding value makes our 2D drawings look 3D. It adds depth and realism. Fancy!
Step 1: Value Video (5 points)
Watch the following video and take some notes. (Using a Google Doc and sharing it with me is fine).
Step 2: Make a "Continuous Tone" value scale. (5 points)
1. Let's start by having a look at this powerpoint presentation. It will give you more info on value (related to drawing instead of photography), and it will describe the use of "continuous tone."
What you will need:
- Your Sketchbook
- A ruler
- A pencil
- A blending stick
2. Now let's take a new sheet of paper in your sketchbook and label it "Value Scales". Make a rectangle on this page that is 5 inches long and just 1/2 an inch tall. See the picture on the right-->
Yes, you should use a ruler to do this! Remember where they are? (top drawer in the right side of the sketchbook cabinet). Label the scale "Continuous Tone".
FYI...we will be adding more value scales to this page later on.
Here is a close up:
3. Watch the video of my
value scale demo.
4. Now try it yourself!
-------------------------------------------*CHECK IN!! Done with steps 1 & 2? Great! Now come show me for your points!*--------------------------------------
Step 3: The Value Worksheet (20 points)
I'll hand you the worksheet after you let me see your value scale. You will take your continuous tone practice, and apply it to some 2D objects that have a light source shining on them. If you have any questions about it, you can watch me do an example in the following video:
Some hints: Don't forget your cast shadows! Yes, you need to re-draw the bucket.
What you will need:
- The worksheet
- A pencil
- A blending stick
Get your worksheet here:
If you can print it, great! If not, copy it into your sketchbook by hand, then fill it out.
-----------------------------------------------*CHECK IN!! Done with step 3? Great! Now turn it in for your points!*------------------------------------------------
------------Now Some Helpful Hints (Not for Points, just to make your life easier)---------
Fancy Pencils:
So by now, you can make a whole bunch of different values with just the regular drawing pencil that I give you. This is a good to be able to do, but from now on, let's not work so hard. We are going to use fancy drawing pencils. These are labeled 6B, 4B, 2B, HB, 2H and 4H.
I'm sure you've noticed these labels before, so let me explain what they mean. They refer to the density of the graphite inside them. The graphite is on the softer side when the pencils are marked "B". 6B is softer than 4B, and 4B is softer than 2B. The softer the graphite, the darker the pencil, but the harder it is to erase. I like to remember it as "B" for BOLD.
The pencils marked, "H" are harder graphite ("H" for "Hard"). These pencils are good for sketching as they write very lightly and are easy to erase. The normal, school pencil is an "HB". It's right in between hard and soft.
In case that went right over your head, or it was too much to read, watch this quick video for and explanation.
OR
Try this PDF
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Sighting:
Have you ever seen an artist holding their pencil out in front of their face to "measure" what they are drawing? Well it turns out that they are using a really helpful technique called, "sighting." Watch the video below to see how it's done...
You can also line your pencil up to the screen of your computer to measure angles, then you can transfer the angles to your paper. See the little video of me doing this.
Another helpful hint is paying attention to object relationships...As you draw, think, "how close is this object to the other one?" "how tall is it compared to the other one"...etc.
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Step 4: The White Still Life (35 points)
You will draw a collection of white objects. You can find pictures of them on the resources page, or you can set up and photograph your own set up. (Just ask me). This will give you an opportunity to practice your observational drawing skills, and to apply the use of continuous tone.
This time though, I'm going to give you a choice about how you do your continuous tone. You can use a regular, graphite pencil, or you can use a colored pencil.
Whichever you choose, the initial steps in the process are the same...
Da Rulez
1. Use Drawing Pencils (yellow or blue) not Mechanical Pencils.
2. Use those blending sticks! Not the point, but the side. The dirtier they are, the better!
3. Keep your lines LIGHT because you will eventually get rid of them!!
4. NO RULERS. Do not use rulers to draw your shapes! Use your fabulous, hand-eye coordination.
5. Draw with your sketchbook in "Landscape" position. Use the whole page. (No tiny drawings)
What you will need:
- Your sketchbook
- A variety of fancy drawing
pencils
- A blending stick
- Your reference image (resource
page)
Challenge Level Optional:
- Prisma colored pencils
1. Sketch the objects very lightly.
-Pay attention to how the objects relate to each other.
-Where do they touch?
-How long or tall are they compared to each
other?
-FYI, this is called PROPORTION.
This is just my example. Don't copy it!
2. Now go back over your first sketch, adjust
your shapes and clean up your lines.
Remember to keep it light because you
will eventually erase all your lines.
Now that the basics are done, choose which way you want to add value.
If you want to use graphite (pencil), follow the directions down the left side. Make sure you try out the special drawing pencils, 6B-2H. You can also use a graphite crayon to fill in the background, (but wait until the end to use it, or it might smear all over!)
If you want to use a cool toned colored pencil, then follow the directions down the right side.
Choice 1
Graphite
3. Learn to use a blending stick (a.k.a. your new
best friend). The blending stick helps you get a
smooth, continuous tone blend. Watch the
following video for a demo:
4. Start filling in your values. Remember that you
will eventually get rid of all the lines
by blending them into either the background or the
values in the objects. Watch these videos and time
lapses:
Time Lapses...
Don't use this picture! Take your own or go to the resources page.
I put it here so you could see the image I
worked from.
Choice 2
Colored Pencil
3. Start with this PDF which shows the entire
process:
4. Check out my process videos and the time lapses.
Also, make sure you know about the proper way to
sharpen a prisma color pencil. (They're super
expensive, so let's not waste them!)
The Colored Pencil Value Scale...
Filling In Value...
Time Lapses...
--------------------------*CHECK IN!! Done with step 4? Great! Now come show me for your points!*--------------------
----You are now ready for STUDY DRAWING 2: The Pile of Silverwear----
take some time to work on this and turn it in at your own time.
There is a slide show of images on the resources page...or find your own on Google images. Draw at least 3 peices, (a fork, a knife & a spoon). Remember that we are practicing value, so they need a good light source and shadow.
-------------------------*CHECK IN!! Done with S.D. #2? Great! Now come show me so I can give you your points*-----------------------------
Step 5: White on Black Drawing (30 points)
Time to change things around. We have been working on white paper with dark pencils, so all the light is already there (in the white of the paper) and we've been adding all the shadows, right? What if we switch that? We will use black paper and white pencils. So now, all the shadows are already there, and we need to add the light.
What you will need:
- A piece of black paper
- A pencil
- A white Prisma color colored pencil
(NOT the white charcoal!)
- Your reference image or your paper
airplane (you can use the scratch
paper to fold this)
1. Try out the whole, "white pencil on black paper" thing with a quick value scale on the back of your paper. You will get a variety of values by changing the pressure on your white pencils.
The value scale should be about the same size as your first, graphite one (5 inches x 1/2 inch).
2. Now you have a choice. You can do the regular assignment, which is to draw a paper airplane. Or, you can do a more challenging version of the assignment, where you draw a piece of quartz crystal. Follow the prompts for whichever assignment you choose...
Regular:
Challenge Level:
This is just my example. Don't copy it!
This is just my example. Don't copy it!
3. First things first. Can you fold a paper airplane? If you can, please do so now with a piece of binder paper. If you can't, watch this video, and learn how. Make yourself a paper airplane. Everyone should put their names on their planes!
*Please Note: Feel free to make a fancier plane, or to find a tutorial on how to make a fancier plane if you want to!*
3. Find an image of a quartz crystal online. Something like what I found will work. You can also search for "rock crystal" or "amethyst" if you'd like. Once you've found the image, sketch it on your paper with regular,
graphite pencil. Watch my videos for tips and info:
4. Lay your plane down in front of you, with the top part facing you. Using a regular GRAPHITE PENCIL, sketch the contours of your plane on the black paper. So you are NOT USING THE WHITE PENCIL YET.
*The graphite pencil should be visible when you hold the paper under the light.*
5. Now take a good look at your plane. Notice how the light is hitting it. Which parts are really bright white? Which are a little shaded? Where are the darkest shadows? Start to fill in the light, working up to those really bright areas. Leave out a space for the darkest shadows, like the cast shadow.
Don't forget to add value for the table top. Watch my "how to" video...
*Hint: When adding the table surface, fill in the value all in one direction. This makes the table look solid and all part of the same surface.*
Getting Started:
Finishing Touches:
4. Start to fill it in with value. Work dark to light. Leave the details until the end. Here's a time lapse of me working through it:
5. For more advice, watch this final video. Finish up your drawing. Don't despair if it isn't perfect. No one will ever know.
---------------------------------------------*CHECK IN!! Done with step 6? Great! Now come show me for your points!*------------------------------------
Step 6: Pen & Ink Value Scales ( 20 points)
So far, you've only learned to add value in one way. We've practiced "continuous tone" in several different mediums. But are there different ways to add value? YES! Of course there are. Any way you can make a mark on paper, is a way to add value. Next we will now learn how to add value with ink. There are several different techniques to do this (and yes, you can do these techniques in pencil too).
1. First, learn about the different techniques with this powerpoint:
(Click on the pears)
2. Remember the page in your sketchbook where you did your continuous tone value scale?
Go back to that page. Add four more 5' x 1/2' rectangles. (Use a ruler please!)
Label them:
-Hatching
-Cross hatching
-Stipple
-Scribble
3. Check out this video for info on how to fill these out. You will use either a micron pen, or a uni-ball pen, both of which are provided by me. (Don't use your regular, school pens. They won't work!)
Remember:
Take your time!!
Hatching & Cross Hatching: Make clean lines. Separate them
slowly.
Stipple: Make the dots the same size. Don't rush and don't stab
your paper. I shouldn't be able to hear you making dots!
Scribble: Make sure you are really making a value scale. Go back over those dark areas!
What you will need:
- Your sketchbook (The Value Scales
Page.)
- A pencil (To draw the boxes)
- A ruler
- A micron pen
-----------------------------------------------*CHECK IN!! Done with step 7? Great! Now come show me for points!*-------------------------------------------
Step 7: Watercolor Tea Cups (75 points)
Let's use what you've learned so far, then we'll throw on a little watercolor to give you the chance to try it. You will do a pen & ink, stipple drawing some tea cups and teapots. Then, after learning some watercolor techniques, you will add color to the image. Let's break it down, step by step:
What you will need:
- A piece of watercolor paper
- A pencil
- A Micron pen
- Your reference image (Whichever you
choose)
1. Take a look at the still life. (THE IMAGES ARE ON THE RESOURCE PAGE ~ IN A SLIDSHOW)...But you can also search Google images, or ask to make your own still life (just ask me).
Choose a part of it that you want to draw.
Choose at least three items.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRAW ALL OF IT!!
2. Grab a piece of watercolor paper. Sketch out your objects VERY LIGHTLY in pencil. Why do we want to keep the pencil light? ...Because we will eventually erase it out! Outline shadows and highlights too. This will help you later on.
DO NOT DRAW THIS IMAGE
find your own on the resouce page!
3. Now start adding your value with the stipple technique. (Use a Micron or Uniball pen because they are waterproof!). Work from light to dark.
Check out my how-to video:
Tips & Tricks:
- Remember, if the object you are
drawing is even slightly darker than
your paper, then it will need an over-
all value first.
- Make sure you really pay attention
to all the little differences in value.
These are the details that
make your drawing come to life.
- Leave out your
highlights.
- Don't outline with the
dots! Keep them
random.
- You don't have to stipple floral
patterns. (You can paint
them in later if you want.)
4. When you are done with your stipple work, erase your pencil marks.
What you will need:
- Your Sketchbook
- A ruler
- A pencil
5. Let's talk WATERCOLOR! The first thing you will do is try out some techniques. (20 points) Get a fresh page in your sketchbook, and use a ruler to divide it into 9 sections - 3 inch x 4 inch squares. See the picture! (But I show you how I divided it in the video too).
You will try the following techniques.
Label the top of each square:
1. Wash (wet on dry)
2. Gradation wash (wet on dry)
3. Color Change Gradation (wet on dry)
4. Wet on Wet
5. Resist
6. Dab (Cloud Effects)
7. Salt
8. Drip
9. Back Wash/Rubbing Alcohol
6. Watch my video for the how-to info. Also, if you want to try some more techniques, check out some other videos on youtube. There are lots of things you can do with watercolor!
*Quick tip:
Don't leave brushes soaking in water. It corrodes the glue. Rinse them in the water bin and rest them, on their side, on the bin.
What you will need:
- A watercolor set
- A water bin
- A plastic palette
- Two brushes (one flat and one
round)
- An oil pastel
- A tissue
- A pinch of salt
7. Now let's add some color to your tea pots using at least 2 of the techniques you've learned. How you choose to do this is entirely up to you. You can:
-Add a wash to the background
-Paint it realistically
-Use wet on wet everywhere!
-Only paint part of your drawing
-Make it all drippy
-I would add a table surface, or horizon line,
and make it different from the background
(see all the examples of student work)
Do whatever you want. Have fun with it! But keep this in mind:
-You worked REALLY hard on all those dots
right? Do you really want to cover them with
dark paint? Keep it the paint light so we can
still see the stippling.
-Beware of mixing complementary colors.
You'll end up with brown muck.
(green + red orange + blue yellow + purple)
Click on The Slide Show for Examples:
8. Clean up! Please remember the following:
-Always wash out water bins, palettes and brushes at the two SIDE SINKS (not the middle sink)
-Scrub all the pigment off the bins and palettes under running water, with the brushes.
-Leave bins and palettes upside down in the sink or drying rack.
-Brushes should be thoroughly washed out (no more color comes out of them), reshaped, and layed flat
by the sink on some paper towel to dry.
-------------------------*CHECK IN!! Done with step 8? Great! Now come show me for your points!*---------------------
You have reached the end of Unit 4