An artist should never underestimate the importance of having a plan of action before starting a painting. The value study is just that, a plan of action that delineates the values of darks and lights in a painting using only monochrome graphite, charcoal or paint.
The first assignment in the course was to do a value study from a reference photo using charcoal or graphite, to train the eye into seeing grey-scale values. I used the reference photo above. The darkest value is the blue sky to the left and top left of the image. The lighting is quite complex in this scene but I have been fascinated by roaming dark clouds floating above and to the foreground of white sunlit clouds.
My charcoal study, completed on Arches 22" X 30" hot-pressed, watercolor paper is below.
I have simplified some of the detail found in the reference photo in the interest of the value study. I was somewhat restricted in my supplies as I only had one stick of dark vine charcoal, though I had several of the middle and light values. The Arches paper was not ideal. It did not have a strong enough tooth to easily hold the charcoal. I have endeavored to rectify these shortcomings by ordering a roll of Italian charcoal paper and charcoal for future studies.
I really enjoyed working full scale on the value study as I could get my whole arm and upper body involved in the process. The paper was taped onto a large plywood board and secured to my studio easel. I had to put 4 or 5 sheets of the 140lb Arches paper underneath the drawing surface to overcome the texture of the plywood board underneath.
Any ways you can be assured that there will be many more value studies to come. The next lesson in the course is using oil paints and mixing greys without using black paint. Stay posted!
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