Value & Shading

 

Value Introduction & Value Scale - Students are given direct instruction on the concept of value as it relates to art. After the direct instruction, students will create a value scale using pencils. The value scale should have 9 steps from white to black. Steps of the scale should show gradual progression of value with no sudden jumps or skipped steps. Students will also recieve instruction on shading techniques, with an emphasis on using light pressure and a sharp pencil.

 

Self Portrait Project - Students will work from a black & white photograph to create their own self-portrait. Particular attention will be paid to working on value transitions and realism. Project will take at least one week, perhaps longer.

 

Portrait Decoration -- Students are given three photocopies of their completed self-portraits. Students then decorate their self portraits using traditional cultural art forms, such as Dia De Los Muertos skull decorations in the fall semester, and Mardi Gras decorations in the spring. Of the three decorated self-portraits, the best one will be chosen to represent the student and for grading.

 

Reducing Value Levels - Students are given direct instruction on reducing the value levels in a piece of art. Photoshop's "posterize" filter may be used as an example for value reduction. Students will draw an image with a full range of value. Students will then take the same image and reduce the value levels per teacher instruction.

 

Stenciling - Students are given an image to create a stencil of. They begin by drawing the image on a manilla folder. Students then apply value to the image, and reduce the value to 2 levels (Black & White). Students then take the time to go through the image and find any possible bridges that are necessary for the image to work as a stencil. Students will then ink the areas of the image to be cut out from the folder. Mature students will be given X-Acto knives to cut out their stencils. Immature students will be given an alternative "busy work" assignment to keep busy while the mature students cut their designs out.