Value Practice - Using Additive and Reductive Value Techniques Lesson

Introduction

This microlesson goes into specific techniques and demonstrations on how to develop realistic value drawings. Through this process, students will increase their skills in drawing form. It takes practice and taking time to pay attention and willingness to continually revise work. When artists master value techniques, they can truly draw anything! It’s all about the value of shapes and the transitions between values that create form. You can do this!

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Value Practice

Please watch the presentation below to learn more about techniques using additive and reductive value.

Drawing Tools Demo

It is now time to watch the Drawing Tools Demo video. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.

The first tutorial explains some basic information about the drawing tools in your Art Kit.
Take some time to get to know how to use each tool.
Note the numbers and/ or letters at the bottom of your drawing pencils. The ratio of graphite to Kaolin (porcelain) is represented by the H (Kaolin) or the B (graphite).
Think of the rating like a number line where HB is at the “0” place.
As the numbers go up on the right (higher H), the harder the lead and lighter the value.
As the numbers go down on the left (higher B), the softer the lead and darker the value.
This is an optional tool. It is made from tightly rolled paper and can be used to smooth out values.
Don’t over use this. Drawing in circles to blend one small part of a value works much better than smudging everything.
Don’t use your finger to smudge. You loose control of the values.
Kneaded erasers are self- cleaning when you “knead” or squish the eraser.
You can shape them into a point for details, a ridge for erasing lines, or flat circular shape.
You can also pat your drawing to lighten just a little bit.
This is the practice work that you will need to complete for this module. The spoon and bolt employ additive techniques while the crumpled paper and fabric use reductive and additive techniques.

Spoon Demo

It is now time to watch the Spoon Demo video. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.

Now, we are ready to draw shiny, metallic objects. Find a shiny spoon in your home.
Our first object that we are drawing is a spoon.
Before starting the drawing, create a value scale in the upper right or left corner. This will keep the values in your periphery vision.
Use Sighting Methods to Measure Proportions and Angles
Add the darkest area first and focus on the shapes of the values and the transitions between the values. Are they flat transitions or graded transitions?
Continue added details while constantly revising the values as you go.

Bolt Demo

It is now time to watch the Bolt Demo video. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.

Next, we will focus on a bolt. Use the picture of the bolt provided. When starting the bolt think about how the bolt is made. Take time to measure all the different parts.
Pay attention to how the shape of the tread at it moves up the form. Notice how it is attached to the shaft of the bolt. Add details slowly and carefully.
Constantly check and revise the form until you finish.

Crumpled Paper Demo

It is now time to watch the Crumpled Paper Demo video. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.

Next you will choose between drawing this or the fabric. However, watch both video demonstrations. You will need to either cut a 4x4 sheet of drawing or copy paper or draw a 4x4 square in your sketchbook. This process will explore Reductive Techniques of drawing with an eraser as well as with a pencil.
Prepare your paper by adding graphite to the surface first. This can be done on a separate piece or by drawing a 4x4 square in your sketchbook.
Add graphite to a 4x4 square by marking on scrap paper, then rubbing graphite on the square with a tissue (toilet paper or Kleenex).
Here you can see the process of rubbing the graphite on a tissue before adding it to your paper. DON’T USE YOUR FINGER! The oils of your finger embed into the paper and you loose control of the value.
Once the paper is prepared, crumple another sheet of white copy paper. Study the shape of the highlights. Note that this is difficult, because crumpled paper doesn’t resemble a recognizable object. Be patient and work through the process.
Begin the drawing by erasing the shapes of the highlights. Note that it won’t look right until you are almost done.
You can draw shadows back in as needed. Pay attention to the transitions between values. Build the values slowly.

Fabric Demo

It is now time to watch the Fabric Demo video. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.

This is the process for drawing fabric- For drawing fabric, prepare another 4x4 square by coating it with graphite. Find a white t-shirt or other white fabric and tie it in a knot.
Study the highlights and erase the shapes of the lightest areas.
With fabric, you don’t need to apply much pressure. Light, sweeping motions will do the trick.
Continue adding shadows with your pencil and erasing highlights.

Extension

Fork and Wood Screw Research

Draw additional items in your house that you have already drawn. Draw an additional fork and wood screw. To continue your practice with fabric, draw a pile of clothes.

Does your drawing show 5-7 values?
Do you have accurate value transitions? Are they flat or graded?
Did you use a combination of additive and reductive techniques in your drawing?

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