Proko - Stan Prokopenko

added a new premium lesson

3d

Demo 4 - Value Composition Thumbnails - Level 2

In this premium demo, we explore creating composition thumbnails using markers to focus on values. Using a red-gray set of markers, we'll work through a piece featuring a sorcerer, exploring varying background darkness, adjusting contrasts, simplifying shapes to enhance the silhouette, and light sources.

Stan Prokopenko

added a new premium lesson

11d

Demo 3 - Value Composition Thumbnails - Level 2

In this 3rd demo, we dive into creating value composition thumbnails for Level 2 with a more complex concept. You'll learn how to use markers and pencils to experiment with different value arrangements, affecting how the subject appears—making figures seem smaller and more vulnerable or larger. We explore simplifying complex shapes, incorporating elements like cast shadows, and adjusting backgrounds to influence the mood. The lesson guides you through selecting a composition, planning with five distinct values, and developing a larger, detailed drawing that enhances focus on key elements like the face and hands.

Stan Prokopenko

added a new premium lesson

20d

Stan Prokopenko

added a new lesson

27d

Stan Prokopenko

added a new premium lesson

29d

Demo 1 - Value Composition Thumbnails - Level 1

Let me show you how I approach value composition studies. I start with a basic sketch that resembles the photo to warm up. Then I experiment by adjusting values, like changing the darkness of the shirt or lightening the hair, to see how it affects the composition. I also play with the background and cropping, trying different shapes and contrasts to frame the subject. It's all about testing different ideas, simplifying shapes, and seeing what works best for the piece.

Jyayasi (*Jay-o-she*)

•

1mo

added comment inProject - Value Composition Thumbnails

Asked for help

Level 1 assignment I have a doubt regarding this. For this particular assignment, are we supposed to think about the logic of the direction of light or just go for aesthetically pleasing placement of different value groups? I understand that I should put emphasis on whatever I choose to prioritize, like the light or the face or the hair or hands, but my confusion is whether in each thumbnail I should decide the values after establishing a certain light direction or go for the aesthetically pleasing design and then figure out the lighting?

Stan Prokopenko

•

1mo

I agree with Melanie here. Good design is king. If you think changing the light direction will improve the composition then go for it. Play with that idea. But keep in mind that one of the reason we use reference is because inventing realistic lighting is very difficult. In real projects, I usually don't change the light direction too much. Maybe subtle things like changing the shape of a cast shadow, or shifting a shadow a little to expose more of a cheek bone, etc. but if I decide that I want the light to switch sides, I will just search for different reference or take a different photo. Since this is an exercise targeting exploration and design, I say don't let what I just said be limiting factor. Explore anything you want.

Stan Prokopenko

added a new premium lesson

1mo

Stan Prokopenko

•

1mo

I’ve got some big news! My family just welcomed our third child! It was a bit of an early surprise, but we’re all doing great. Basics students - With this change, the next three months might run a little differently. I’ve built up a backlog of content to keep things moving, but there might still be an occasional gap. If a week goes by without new material, just know it’s temporary. Things will get back to normal soon. Thanks for your patience as I adjust to life with three kids and gives some attention to my little one. In the meantime, keep practicing, revisit older lessons, or share your progress with the community. I appreciate all of you. Thanks for being such a supportive group!