Elements of Art
Value
Value

Value is the
range from light
to dark.
Value: Uses

Value can be used for
emphasis.
 Variations in value are
used to create a focal
point for the design of
a picture.
 What do you look at
first in this image?
Why?


A light figure on a
dark background
will be immediately
recognized as the
center of attention.
We do not look at
the shadows, but
instead the lighter
areas of the image.

Similarly for a dark
figure on a mostly
white background.
Judith Beheading Holofernes
Caravaggio
Judith Beheading Holofernes
Caravaggio
Creating Dimension

Without shading, the
image looks flat, twodimensional.
 The contour of the
hand is defined
correctly but lacks
volume.
Creating Dimension

Areas of light and
dark can give a threedimensional
impression.
 Shading creates
realistic lighting.
Creating Dimension

Image is made up of:



Highlights
Midtones
Shadows