Assignment 1_Value

Here is the first assignment. For Class on Friday (1/23), you should have the value scale complete and sketches ready for review so we can decide on your best one.   Also bring materials to paint your color wheels and if at all possible, grab some images of your favorite desserts so you can abstract those to create designs for the next assignment.  

Color Studies Week 1: Achromatic Grays

Achromatic grays – Grays mixed from black and white only. Achromatic grays appear to have no coloration.

Value – the relative luminousity (lightness or darkness) of a color.

In Class Exercise

Required Materials: ivory black and permanent white gouache, brushes, palette, sketchbook, graphite pencils, water container, metal ruler, exacto knife and paper towels.

1. Using Gouache, make thumbnails to create a value scale consisting of 11 different values.  Shapes should be no less than 1’ at any dimension.  You will glue your thumbnails into your sketchbook. 

Outside Assignment (due 1/30)

• Create three abstract studies based on observations from Architecture. Abstraction usually involves a simplifying of shapes so source imagery is not immediately apparent or obvious. Think in terms of design. Abstraction allows the student to focus on the on the assigned color problem and the interaction of color (in this case, value) without the interference of representation. First, create 6-10 shapes in your sketchbook, then select the best 3. A good design will require a variety of shapes in a variety of sizes that includes an interesting arrangement of shapes to animate and articulate the artwork.

 • One study will feature a full value range (light, middle and dark values), a second one light in value and a third with dark values only. You must use a minimum of 4 values in each study.  Approximately ten shapes will be needed to insure good value interaction. Refer to the value continuum and the gray scale above.

 • Each study is to be 3” x 5” and executed with gouache in achromatic grays (mixed from Ivory Black and Permanent White) on Bristol board. You must include a minimum of 4 values in each composition.

 • Center and mount all three studies a half of an inch apart on to a 9” x 12” sheet of Bristol board. This will leave about a one inch margin on the outside edges longwise, and a two inch margin the other two parallel sides. Craft is important. Keep borders clean.

As always, if you have any questions, you may email me at thomas.green@mca.edu or tgreen@mca.edu