The importance of value

Process and Play 005

Hello readers,

Do you struggle with making your landscapes pop? Do you get overwhelmed with colour choice and knowing what to use in your sketches?

Welcome to my fifth post in the series PROCESS & PLAY.

Each session I take a closer look at a sketchbook PROCESS, chat through what I’m doing and then invite you to join me to PLAY in your sketchbook.

In today’s session I’ll be taking a closer look at value and the importance of contrast in capturing your subject.

If you are struggling with knowing how to make your sketches engaging then I think this video will help.

We’ll firstly be looking at the value scale.

Then we’ll do a couple of thumbnail sketches in monochrome using the scale as well as using colour as value.

And finally we’ll finish the session with a quick sketch of a mini mountain range. You’ll see how I use negative shape and contrast to build the sketch and get some pointers on capturing rocky subjects. You’ll have my photo references to use and colour palette to refer to.

All will be delivered in my usual relaxed tone and I would love you to sketch along with me.

I think you’ll going to find it interesting and learn a lot from our time together.