Value Adds Richness
This loose charcoal line drawing has been enriched through the use of value variation. The gray-tone Canson paper acts as a middle value to set off both the dark charcoal and the light Conté.
Value Adds Richness
This loose charcoal line drawing has been enriched through the use of value variation. The gray-tone Canson paper acts as a middle value to set off both the dark charcoal and the light Conté.
Spanish Dancer
Charcoal and Conté on Canson paper
18" × 24" (46cm × 61cm)
Value Scale
When creating a range of value for your drawings, gradually build the tones from the lightest to the darkest by applying a darker tone on top of a lighter tone. Using your subject as a reference, continue building layers as required until you reach the extreme darks. This will give you more control over the value range you create.
Build Darker Values On Top of Lighter Tones
I chose to use a sanguine pencil for the first tonal layer. Then, I applied charcoal on top to create the darker values.
The Napping Student
CarbOthello pencil and charcoal pencil on vellum
12" × 14" (30cm × 36cm)
Building Up Tones
Start with lighter tones and layer to make the value darker.