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Value

Author: Sophia

what's covered

This lesson will focus on what value is, the different types of value, and why value is important in visual design. Specifically, this lesson will cover:

1. Defining Value
2. Value in Practice

1. Defining Value

Value uses a grayscale between white and black to develop form integrity; it is another term for lightness or darkness.

Do you see the value demonstrated in the image below?

Grayscale

Light illuminates aspects of form, while dark is the absence of light that provides weight to form. Gradient is the range between light and dark as it pertains to value. Together, light, dark, and gradient create form.

terms to know

Value

Another term for lightness or darkness.

Light

The illumination aspect of form.

Dark

The absence of light that provides weight to form.

Gradient

The range between light and dark as it pertains to value.

2. Value in Practice

If you take a black rectangle and incorporate that combination of dark and light values, you can turn it into a cylindrical form.

Chiaroscuro

Likewise, you can turn a circle into a sphere. The subtle use of gradation to create dramatic value is called chiaroscuro, which is Italian for "light dark." This technique is used in, but not limited to, many great paintings.

In the next example, you can see how dark and light values are used to create drama and form.

Chiaroscuro in Painting

Chiaroscuro can also be applied to photos; however, the result doesn't necessarily have to be dark or gloomy.

term to know

Chiaroscuro

The subtle use of gradation to create dramatic value.

summary

In this lesson, you learned to define value as the lightness or darkness of an image. You also learned that form is created with the combination of light, dark, and gradient, or the range between light and dark. You then viewed some examples of value in practice.

Keep up the learning and have a great day!

Source: THIS WORK IS ADAPTED FROM SOPHIA AUTHOR MARIO E. HERNANDEZ

Terms to Know

Chiaroscuro: The subtle use of gradation to create dramatic value.
Dark: The absence of light that provides weight to form.
Gradient: The range between light and dark as it pertains to value.
Light: The illumination aspect of form.
Value: Another term for lightness or darkness.

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Value

Table of Contents

1. Defining Value

2. Value in Practice