Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

751
Course In Progress

Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

751
Course In Progress

Level 1

Let's practice what we've learned about value composition by creating exploring several thumbnail sketches from the provided reference photos. Simplify each image into just three values in small thumbnails (between the size of your thumbnail and palm). Create at least five variations for each photo. 

Some tips:

  • Keep It Simple: Start small, capture the main big shapes and avoid adding details. If you overcomplicate, try again and simplify.
  • Explore Multiple Ideas: Experiment by modifying value groupings and rearranging value shapes. Don't settle on your first idea. Often, initial concepts aren't the best.
  • Ask "What If?": Experiment with backgrounds, clothing values, and cropping. You have the freedom to adjust these elements.

You can use pencils or markers. Choose whichever tool you're comfortable with, or try both for their unique benefits.

Pencils

  • Use a dull pencil to draw larger value masses and avoid details.
  • Pencils allow erasing and adjusting shapes and values. 

Markers

  • Markers are faster allowing you to do more quick variations.
  • Markers provide predefined values for easy value separation.
  • They encourage simplification due to their thick tips.

Level 2

After warming up with the first photos, move on to the Level 2 images. These are more complex and offer more exploration and room for error.

After several iterations, select a favorite thumbnail to refine. Create a slightly larger sketch with a little more details and up to five values.

Remember:

  • Prioritize Simplicity and Clarity: Don't worry about perfect proportions or details.
  • Focus on Values: Make deliberate decisions about value groups and execute them confidently.
  • Guide the Viewer: Simplify, control your value range, and create a clear hierarchy.


Deadline - submit by Jan 31, 2025 for a chance to be in the critique video!

Newest
Gwen Post
Here are some of mine from the first photo, would love any tips, really struggled with this and making it look interesting, will do more tomorrow
Rachel Dawn Owens
Very good notan studies! You can make them sophisticated when you get to the 5 value studies. These are perfect.
Quinton Larrimore
Level 1 -- I would love to hear feedback from anyone. For the first image, I did the top 3 and bottom center (the bigger one) by painting them out. The rest on that image were then copied and altered to see how I could adjust the composition. I found myself mostly just changing the background and the mouth a bit. For the second image, I tried to be a little bit more organized since I did the first round. This time, I did my 5 thumbnails, picked my favorite 3, and then started adjusting them like I did the first time round. This time, I tried to push myself by simplifying the shapes even further, changing the background, and other minor adjustments. This was pretty tough but I think I managed to "let go" per se the second time around and throw things down on the canvas a lot quicker to see what works and what didn't. Another thing I noticed was that using more decisive shapes with less fluff in them meant I could more easily go back with the magic wand tool and quickly change the tone of the more defined pieces. I could definitely see myself taking advantage of that more often during the planning phase of a piece going forward.
Quinton Larrimore
Level 2 -- Decided to go with a more abstract design to force myself to make a decisions instead of just drawing what I saw. I think that also helped me simplify things down a bit.
Scott N
11d
Here are some of my attempts at the value studies. I found the first image (pencil) difficult. I just couldn't seem to get any ideas going. I watched the demo and my attempts after that were just riffs on those ideas. For the second image I swapped to markers. This was my first time using them (they are fun!). I found it easier to experiment but I think I was focusing too much on the the values in smaller areas (like in his arm) rather than bigger picture. The fourth study (mid tone and light) is my favourite.
@lauralana
12d
Level 1
Sita Rabeling
These images I found difficult to draw with markers, they got so ugly… Here another attempt with Procreate.
Rachel Dawn Owens
These drawings don’t need to be pretty. They are just thumbnails. It’s about roughing in an idea. Brainstorming to get the gist of an idea. If you want to get a more harmonized image, try relating all the shapes together. Like a puzzle. Every mark has a purpose. Don’t get sucked into the detail. The wrinkles of the drapery are not that important. It’s great that you simplified the faces to just a couple of planes. You can apply that same logic to the rest of the composition. Here’s some tips to help with your next studies.
kutola
24d
I loved how many different options one reference could give, and the more I worked the easier new ideas came up. I even started thinking about a story which could unfold from one take to another. While working on it I was thinking that I hurry too much with this task, wanting to complete it quicker without thinking about cleanness of a result.
Yevhen Syrchin
Not actually a thumbnail, but i use this project to combine my studies of head construction by Michael Hampton, can i have some advices how to add facial features to values to make it look better?
@drawingdodo
Took a long time for this one, need to get back on track! Still, thumbnails are quite cool, definitely how I'll be trying out things in the beginning moving forward. Always looking for constructive criticisms!
Sita Rabeling
The second in 1B I like the best! (the one you thought is too lose) :)
@mstefan
1mo
hi guys,those are my level 1 assignments attempts. Idon t know exactly how I can make them a little more interesting, I think I went very safely and didn't think outside the box enough.
@drawingdodo
I really like them, and although some may be close in terms of tone, I still think you did a good job of experimenting with different value structures for different results for sure, great work!
FlummoxMe
1mo
@drawingdodo
Cool abstractions! My favourite is the 9th one for sure, the most striking for sure. One critique I might give is to try practicing more even tones, some parts are a bit scratchy like the first image. Maybe a by-product of a small sketch (which is the point of a thumbnail :D ) but maybe something to improve in the future. Great work!
Yevhen Syrchin
3rd is my favorite
Daniel
1mo
Daniel
1mo
Yevhen Syrchin
wow, they are really cool. top right looks really interesting for me!
@seally
1mo
My level 1 attempt! I would love some critiques :)
Jay Nightshade
Been sick, but knocked a few out on the couch. This was a great exercise for sure. Level 1.
Patrick Hynes
Level 1. I did two sets of the toga guy because I felt the first one was too samey same. So, I tried to mix it up some more to get some different effects.
Jay Nightshade
Nice work. Gives me some good ideas!
Nicole Guz
2mo
Im not sure I am doing this right. But I tried without watching demo and knowing about composition😅
Stephen Clark
These look solid to me! Do you mean you actively avoided watching the demo? Try giving it a watch and see how you feel you did after seeing how it was demonstrated.
I did not Want to see that
Completely forgot to submit these! The first ones are level one and the last two are level two. I had made them 2 weeks prior, but I just forgot to actually submit them here aha Are there any points of improvements? I know there are of course, so letting me know what those are helps me out a ton!
Hanna Looye
They look great! The only thing that bugs me is the light on the hat of the level two character. Where is that bright light coming from and why don't I see it on the rest of the figure?
Niklas Nilsson
Not part of the assignment, but I was doing some quick sketch practise in oils and found that the recent work on value composition really helped. I started to think about the different areas of value more intently. Thanks for great lessons. 🫶
Margaret Langston
small value thumbnails, 2b
Margaret Langston
Bigger value sketch with level 2A. This is probably too complicated.
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