Module

4 Value and the Underpainting

? What is Explored in This Module?
In this module, we’ll take a look at the importance of value and how creating an underpainting
can help to ensure a full range of value in your completed drawings.

? What is Value?
Value is one of the seven elements of art. It can be defined as the darkness or lightness of a
color. The relationship between darks and lights on and around objects affects how our minds
perceive these objects.

Value can be measured through the use of a value scale. Light values are referred to as “tints”,
while dark values are referred to as “shades”.

How value manifests in a

drawing…

!
The placement of dark values
(shades) and light values
(tints) creates the illusion of
light and form in a drawing.
Tints are typically used for
highlights and shades are
typically used for shadows.

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course

 Value and the Underpainting

The Arrangement of Values

The arrangement of values on and around objects is what informs the viewer of the light within
the scene and the form of the objects within. These areas can be defined by specific names. !

Highlight - area on an object

where light is hitting directly.
This area is typically indicated
using the lightest values of a
color.!
!
Midtone - area of middle value!
!
Core Shadow - area of
shadow on the object. This
area is typically indicated by the
shades of the color.!
!
Reflected Highlight - area on
the object where light has
reflected off of surrounding
objects onto the surface.!
!
Cast Shadow - area of shadow
cast on surrounding objects.

Creating an Underpainting
Dark and light values are created with colored pencils. When white is added to a color, a tint is
created. When a mixture of brown and blue are added to a color, a shade is created.!
!
Recognizing the importance of value in drawing, some artists prefer to establish the values
initially. If this approach is taken, an “underpainting” is created using one color. Usually a dark
color is chosen for the underpainting. !
!
If an underpainting is created, all of the values are established and the local colors are layered
on top of the value study. As local colors are layered, they will naturally mix with the
underpainting, resulting in a multi-colored drawing that has a full range of value.!

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course

 Value and the Underpainting

An underpainting is created by drawing a

complete drawing using only one color.
Typically a dark color is used, but this is not a
rule. In this example, Walnut Brown (Faber-
Castell Polychromos) is used. Other colors
can be used to establish color temperature, if
so desired. The underpainting focuses on
developing the range of value in the drawing. !

With the underpainting complete, local colors

(observed colors) can be layered directly on top.
As colors are layered, the underpainting will
influence the perceived value of colors that are
layered. Some colors will mix with the
underlying colors to produce dark or light
versions of the local color.!

Medium to light pressure is used to apply the

green. Care is taken to avoid areas of
highlight on the apples. Since the values
have been established in the underpainting,
the artist can focus their attention on the
observed colors in the subject.!

A second observed color is layered next.

Yellow, which is used to mix green, is added in
areas to add interest, depth and realism to the
apple. !

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course

 Value and the Underpainting

White is heavily layered in the areas of

highlight. It is also layered in areas that
require lightening.!

Blue is the next observed color that is added to

the drawing. Mostly used in the areas of
midtone and core shadow, blue cools the
drawing, making the shadows feel more natural.!

The original green is layered next with heavy

pressure applied. This application will
produce some burnishing, mixing the yellow,
blue, and white under layers.!

The stems of the apples are addressed next

using a progression of heavy applications of
color, starting with burnt ochre.!

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course

 Value and the Underpainting

Green is used next on the stem, followed by

walnut brown.!

White is used to burnish the colors, mixing and

smoothing the transitions between them.!

A final application of white is used to lighten

areas on the apple further before addressing
the background.!

An intense red is used to fill in the background

space. The red is applied using a medium to
heavy crossing pattern of directional lines. !

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course

 Value and the Underpainting

Since oil based pencils are used for this

demonstration, the best approach for
burnishing is to use a thinner. In this case,
Turpenoid is used to work the red using a
nylon brush. The entire background is
burnished using the thinner, removing as
much of the paper texture as possible.!

With the background completely burnished,

work begins on the apples. As the Turpenoid is
applied, the colors mix creating smoother and
more natural transitions between colors and
values.!

As brushstrokes are made, consideration is

given to the form of the apple. Directional
strokes should follow the contours of the form
of the apple. Applying the Turpenoid in this
manner enhances the illusion of form in the
drawing.!

Blue is added to the cast shadows under the

apples. The blue darkens the values and
makes the shadows cooler in temperature and
stronger in contrast.!

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course

 Value and the Underpainting

Orange is layered over the red in the

background, intensifying the color and
contrast between the apples.!

Walnut brown is used to add finishing details

such as spots on the apples and other areas of
imperfections. !

Walnut brown is also used to darken

shadowed areas on the apples a bit further
and increase areas of contrast.!

By creating an underpainting and then layering

local colors, the artist can ensure that a full
range of value is produced in the finished work.
Including a full range of value produces a
convincing light source and the illusion of form
within the drawing. !

Copyright (c) 2014 The Colored Pencil Course