ELEMENTS

OF
ART
SERIES ________Value Exercise
The theme for this week’s sketchbook assignment is value. The guidelines and requirements
are as follows:
 Draw a rectangle or square in the center of your page. The size should be no smaller
than 6 inches x 8 inches. Draw your composition inside of this rectangle or square.
 Divide this rectangle into at least 10 sections of geometric shapes (ie - rectangles,
triangles, circles, squares, etc.) that create a pattern or design
 Apply a value gradation to each of the sections that transitions from light to dark.
Alternate the gradations for each of the sections so that the light side of one is next to
the dark side of another.
 DO NOT leave dark outline contours around each of the sections. Borders should be
created by variations in values.
Shading Techniques
Practice hatching and crosshatching shading techniques in the rectangles below, as well as creating
gradation through overlap and line pressure.

Hatching Gradation Crosshatching

Visual Vocabulary
Value - is defined by the relative lightness or darkness of a color. Contrast of value separates objects in space, while
gradation of value suggests mass. Tints are light, tones are midrange and shades are dark values.
Student Example Art History Connection

*This student example is incomplete. The bottom portion

shows the division of the rectangle into various sections
Tea Time by Jean Metzinger, 1911
while the top shows the value gradations. Notice the *Notice how the artist uses value changes and
alternating transitions from light to dark and dark to light. gradation to suggest mass in this work.