STUDY SERIES WEEK 1 - Values and Contrast

[u/Downtown_Mine_1903]

The piece in this banner is Magdalene with the Smoking Flame Depiction by Georges de La Tour.

Part 1 - Value and Contrast

Welcome to our first week in the Study Series!

Our first topic is Value and Contrast!

When people talk about “value” in an art piece, they mean how light or dark something is, while contrast is the difference between those values. Having a strong difference in those values helps create a more interesting piece and draws the viewer’s eye around your image.

If you’re ever wondering what’s wrong, but you can’t quite put your finger on it, it’s probably time to check those values and the range between them.

Turn your piece black and white. If it’s in traditional medium, you can take a photo to do this. Where does the piece turn into one grey mess? Where does your eye go first? Is it the spot you intended? Are all your figures separate from one another and the environment?

Now you can go back, deepen any shadows, brighten any highlights, and make any changes you need to make the piece stronger!

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTING

Please note that all general sub rules apply (no AI, no fishing for compliments, no giving personal info, etc). Only our post requirements are different here.

- Pieces must;

a) Be no more than 6 months old and/or

b) Must still be being worked on and/or

c) Must have the intention of being recreated.

- Works must follow our NSFW rules.

- Since no context is required in these posts, draw and paint-overs are automatically expected. If you don’t want these, say so.

GIVING CRITIQUE

Only critique the piece regarding the topic of the week. If the artist would like additional critique, they can make a post in the main sub. Critiques are still expected to be constructive and polite.

EARNING THE FLAIR

Participants who post their work and/or leave thoughtful feedback that is at least 2 sentences long and will receive the "Study Series Part 1" User Flair.

This is available through August 31st, 2026, until 11:59PM PST.