Value refers to the lights and darks in an artwork. There are two types of value: achromatic which uses black, white and grays without color, and chromatic which uses a color and its tints and shades. Value patterns arrange values to control compositional movement and create unity. A value scale shows the range from light to dark. It can be stepped with distinct blocks of gray values or blended with smooth, gradual transitions between values.

1. Value
Value is an element of art & design.
Value is defined as the lights and darks in
an art work.
Achromatic Value is black, white and
ranges of grays (no color).
Chromatic Value is a color and the lights
(tints) and darks (shades) of that color.

2. Value
High-key Value is defined as a value that
has a level of middle gray or lighter
Low-key Value is defined as a value that
has a level of middle gray or darker
Value Pattern is the arrangement or
organization of values that control
compositional movement and create a
unifying effect throughout a work of art.

3. Value Scale
A stepped value scale from light to dark.

4. Create a value scale
• One end of the scale will be the darkest value
(black).
• The other end of the scale will be white.

5. Create a stepped value scale
• Each of the center blocks should show the
gray value scale making a transition from
white to black.
• Each block must be a different value.

6. Use the Pencil to apply values
• The pencil value should have a smooth
surface. Use light, smooth strokes and
build up the value by overlapping layers of
pencil.

7. Blended Value Scale
A gradation of
value
from light to dark.

8. Grading Criteria:
Your drawing should show a…
Range of values/gradation.
Smooth, even, gradual transitions
from dark to light.
Good craftsmanship; no smudges,
rough edges or white gaps between
values.