NHS Designs

Definition
val·ue
noun
degree of lightness or darkness in a color; the relation of light and shade in a painting, drawing, or the like.


related concepts

  • high key (light) and low key (dark) paintings
  • value contrasts
  • graded values
  • values in atmospheric perspective

Web Design Elements & Principles of Design

Value

Value refers to dark and light.

Value contrasts help us to see and understand a two-dimensional work of art.

This type can be read because of the contrast of dark letters and light background.

Value contrast is also evident in colors, which enables us to read shapes in a painting.

Value in Fine Art

Jean Metzinger - Sailboats
Jean Metzinger - "Sailboats", 1912

Metzinger's painting has strong value contrasts as can be seen in a black and white version of it on the right. The painting is cubist in style with angular fractures and shapes. Follow the visual movement from the bottom right over a light-valued visual path upward to the top left sail, which is the focal area. A high contrast in value can help define a focal point.

Source: Elements and Principles of Design: Student Guide with Activities, published by Crystal Productions


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