Question

In the unit, we learned about value scales. If you were going to make your own value scale, how would you do it? Please list the steps that you would take and what kinds of materials you would need to make a value scale.

Answer 1

Answer: To create a value scale, begin by drawing out a rectangle and subdividing it into 5 even boxes. Grab a ruler and get going!

Next, begin shading the last box (it will eventually be black), but don’t shade it in completely dark right away. You’ll get better results if you add many layers of pencil and arrive at the desired value over time rather than right away.  After you’ve shaded the last box move to the second to last box and shade it in slightly lighter. Keep repeating this process for each box, only making each one lighter in value than the previous box.

At this point, you should have a value scale that looks very light similar to the last example above. Continue this process several more times working from the dark end of the value scale towards the light end of the scale.

It’s okay to press harder to achieve your darkest values but remember to layer your pencil as well. A layered approach to shading will always look the best!  In the creation of this drawing exercise each time I added a new layer of pencil I choose to use a darker pencil.

Explanation: