Value Scales

Examples of a Value Scale

There are 2 different way to number value scales 10 - 1 or 1 - 10.
Pick the one that makes sense to you,
but be aware that others may use the other method.

Values are how light or dark a color is.
Value scales are usually made using white to make a Tint
and adding a little black to make a Shade
and each step has more black until you have pure black.

You start with 10 parts white, the next pile would be 9 parts white and 1 part black,
for the next gradation 8 parts white and 2 parts black, and so all until you have 10 parts black.

Why are values important.
Using a value scale.

To do color scales you need to determine what is the value of the original color.

(Squinting is a great help - it restricts the light
and reduces the color input so you can see the value better.)

and then add white or black to make the correct values.
When painting some artists prefer not use black at all because it tends to deaden the color
( they use a mixed dark color - usually using complimentary colors)
but it can be useful in certain cases.
And as you can see by looking at the yellow color it is not always consistent in its results

You can see how chalky red becomes when just adding white
a touch of yellow will help remove the chalkiness

You can see why you would not use black to mix a shade for a banana
but it does make a useful green.

An easy way to mix a simple 5 value scale - This maybe all you need in some cases.

Mix equal amounts of black and white to make you middle value.
Now mix equal amounts of white and the middle mix to make the in-between light value.
Then take equal amounts of black and the middle value for the in-between dark value..

Why are values important

Values are actually more important than color. You can see this in a black and white photo. The picture consists of all different values. The old masters put in the values first and then added color over them.
The difference in values is what gives paintings depth and objects a 3-dimensional look

Using a value scale

    While you can used either a purchased scale or print out the one on my site.    It is a good idea to learn to mix them on your own so you can train your eye to see and your hand to mix.
    Make a black and white one then you can use a hole punch and punch a hole in each value. Then you can hold it up, look through the hole and it will help you see what value you need. You may need to squint you eyes to remove the color and just see the value.
    I have seen it put under a glass palette to help you in your mixing.
    Mixing color value scales will help you learn to mix your colors.

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