How To See in Value - Part 1: Observation Strategies

Being able to see the world as shapes of value, especially colored shapes and objects, is a master skill to cultivate as a visual artist. It's important to the artist because in order to compose and arrange shapes in our pictures, we must first see and understand their inherent grayscale value.

How do we train our eyes to see the world in value? This video will demonstrate some very simple strategies we can use when we observe the world around us.

To read the full, in-depth text version of this lecture, visit the website:

Narrated by the Artist

[MultiCastorFiber]

this was really VALUEable information!

[howlhei]

OMG The timing on me squinting and you changing it to black and white was so perfect! like holy shit i thought i went color blind for a moment!

[profeortega]

Thanks for your explanation, I am a portrait artist, and to squint is more than important to me, for the first step.

[bevturquoise]

Thank you for your video, knowlege, no music and soft voice!

[nathanielyao]

Thank you so much Chris; the pure black and pure white reference trick is helping me out a lot.

[rayf]

thank you for focusing on the importance of values and breaking it down into simple steps to learn (for a beginner like me). Very nicely done. Thank you.

[ChaoticMoira]

Oh my gosh. This helped me so much. I have been trying to figure this out for a while, and this is the first explanation I have seen where I am beginning to understand it. Thank you so much.

[Johncofi]

When I squinted you turned off the colour, I was almost like woaaah! This really works haha God be with you

[iceesky]

I've watched other vids about value but still can't put it into practice no matter how hard I try. This is the only video that teached me HOW to see in value. Agh, and to think that it is as simple as squinting! I practiced earlier and saw how I improved a lot immediately. Thank you so much! No words can measure the amount of gratitude I feel ;v; Will definitely check out more of your vids!

[drawwithchris]

You're welcome Ash! Yes value is king and is the first step. Look at the great colorist of the past. Monet, Sorrolla, Sargent. All were excellent in value and tonal composition. That's not by accident :)

[agregorie]

Thank you for making this so simple and easy to grasp.

[JessicaCinNY]

Excellent explanation! Thank you! I'm able to grasp the concept of value when it's explained and pointed out to me, but still struggle to see values on my own. The steps you laid out are very helpful, particularly looking for borders. Thanks again!

[drawwithchris]

You're welcome. Good value observation takes a little practice. Stay tuned for the next videos in this series. It will really help you with your tones.

[stoneymorris]

thank you . I enjoyed your tutorial very very much.

[momekh]

"You had me at squinting" :P The moment I tried it, I was like Woah, I

[mikea]

wow you really explain so well.. Thanks so much

[ES-hryx]

Your voice is so soothing and gentle. Honey drops. I have a crush on you because of your voice. I don't even know how you look. :D

Oh and the lecture was awesome! Have been looking for a real class on values and tones. This was so good. Thank you.

[feedmeunagi]

THANK YOU SO THIS HELPED ME LEARN SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN STUDYING FOR A FEW WEEKS IN 8 MINUTES YOU ARE AMAZING!!

[rachelm]

Really helpful. This is definitely my weak area, I bet a lot of artists struggle with values. I'm going to watch the next video!

[elsagrace]

Yes, clear teaching! Yes, the voice! Now I I have to see your website. Can you read it to me? 🤗