VALUE

Value refers to the gradation of light and dark. Black and white values are achromatic. All colors have a value as well (ex. primary yellow is a lighter value than violet). In general, dark values recede whereas light values advance. Observe in the drawing above, all negative areas (background and interior folds) are darker than the flat surface areas and thus recede.

Values are influenced by the lighting conditions as well as the planar structure of forms. There are six categories of light illustrated in the photograph above.
The Italian word "Chiaroscuro" means light-dark.

Value Patterns may be used to reinforce the compositional or design structure. Value patterns establish movement, tension and unity through similarity.
Open-value compositions allow values to cross over form and space integrating the shape boundaries. Such is the case in drawings and paintings with soft edge or blended forms.
Closed-value compositions contain values within the edges and boundaries of shapes creating clarity within a composition. Such is the case in the painting above. The sharpness and clarity of the image is attributed to the crisp and clean line work of the edges of the shapes.