VALUE: Key Terms

Value

Value: The range of light and dark is called VALUE Artists use values to fully render (shade in) an object. They create the illusion of 3-dimensions on a flat (2-dimensional) surface. By using highlights and shadows, they tell the viewer what part of the object is closer to the light, and what is farther away.

Grayscale

Grayscale: The infinite spectrum of grays created by mixing black and white are achromatic, or "without color" ("a" meaning "without"). Grays containing colors are called chromatic. Artists create works in black and white to simplify. Some call this "monochromatic" but that is an incorrect term in this case. Since there is NO color, it is called "achromatic" (without color)= shades of gray.

High-Key

High-Keyed artworks contain many light valued colors/tints. High-Keyed artworks use only light tints. This generally gives a positive, light feeling to the artwork.

Value Contrast

Value contrast is created when light values are placed next to dark values This is a good way to create an area of emphasis or focal point, because it tells your eye where to look first.

Silhouette

A silhouette is created by an object's shadow. By placing a light behind an object, the shape/outline appears in silhouette, often without detail (See image)

Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro: Pronounced "Key-R-Oh-Scure-Oh" Lights and darks used in one artwork, used in high contrast for dramatic effect in many instances

Low-Key

Low-Keyed artworks contain many dark valued colors/shades Low-Keyed artworks use dark shades. They generally have a negative, bold, dark feeling.