Tonal Values can be used to describe the different sections of an object where a light hits. Highlights are a section where the light hits directly, mid-tones are a section where the light is present but not hitting directly, and shadows are where the light is being blocked. These three terms (highlights, mid-tones, and shadows) are highly crucial in enhancing your painting since it gives a realistic effect. That's why artists commonly like to include tonal values in their artworks.
Here is a step-by-step process for creating tonal values:
The direction of light:
Ask yourself this 'where is light coming from?'
If the light is coming from the left, the highlights should be facing the left. It's not necessary to show the source of light in your painting, but the viewer should be able to tell where the light source is based on the position of your tonal values. Take the picture below as an example, the source of light is unknown, could be the sun, a light bulb, etc, but the direction is visible and easy to tell based on its tonal values.
Highlights:
When you are creating your highlights, it's important to keep in mind that the paper should be empty in that specific area. In my article here, I've mentioned how most artists discourage the use of black and whites. So it's best to leave the portion of the paper blank (only if you are using white paper) and add light tones around it to give it a smooth blend.
It is not necessary to only use white while creating your highlights. Based on the light source, it could be a warm yellow or light blue. The point of the highlight is to show the direction of light no matter what the color is.
Mid tones:
It would be too abrupt to go from bright light to complete darkness, that's where mid-tones come in, they are used as a pathway to go from light to dark whilst giving it a smooth blend.
To create the mid-tones you will just need to add more color to the mixture that you used for the highlights. Just like the highlight, mid-tones don't stay the same shades, to transition smoothly, the mid-tones starting from the highlight should be light then gradually slowly add more pigment, then when you reach the shadows part, the mid-tone should be darker.
Shadows:
A popular color to create shadows is gray. You can use any shade of grey, light to dark. Some artists also mix different colors to create a shade of black. Other alternatives can be brown, dark blue, etc. You can also have the option of using just the color black.
How to master tonal values:
If you are a beginner trying to understand watercolors, tonal values are something you definitely need to focus on. It can really turn your artwork into a masterpiece. A recommended way of practicing is setting an object (apple, pen holder, a cup, etc) where light is hitting. You will clearly identify where the tonal values are needed. Remember practice makes progress and soon enough you'll be able to master tonal values!
Comments
Post a Comment