The Power of Simplicity: The 2-Value System
Added 2022-09-12 20:43:52 +0000 UTCHere's your suggested assignment:
Start with a simple still life object like an egg or coffee cup, or a single jointed part from the figure.
Draw the simple shape or shapes of the form. Then add a shape of shadow on the from. Let the white paper or toned canvas be the light side value.
Choose a darker second value for the shadow shape. Repeat the same process several times, slightly changing the shapes or changing the value of the shadow.
With each change, ask yourself is it better or worse?
Once you get a feel for this, you can add in a background value.
Do this simple exercise ever chance you get. And do it out of your head often. So you know what you don't know about getting that pop form. And can go back to the reference to better understand.
I still do this all the time. I want this wired into my brain like that championship batter has wired in his swing.
Once it's wired, I can play creatively with the shape design or the value design to wonderful effect.
But success begins and end with the mastering the basics.
Have fun, my friend!
