Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

Drawing Basics

Values

Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

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Mark as Completed
Course In Progress

Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

61K
Mark as Completed
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
Tommy Pinedo
Here are my level 2 attempts. Enjoyed using the markers. On the first time doing this I realized I was a bit too safe and focused too much on the background. watched the critique, took notes and decided to explore more on the second reference. Feedback is always welcome! 🙏🏻 😊
Rachel Dawn Owens
Woah. These are great. Especially the second page. You nailed it.
Aubrey Hannah
Here are my value thumbnails I created for both reference images. I don't think I quite conveyed them to my satisfaction (particularly the second reference with the man in a cloak). Perhaps I focused too much on simplifying the shapes in the image, rather than the values. Nevertheless, I did pick up some good forms on the shadows from time to time.
@landsloth
14d
This was a lot of fun! I tried to do inverse tones on two of the images but my brain kept getting confused trying to remember that shadows are now the lightest value and vice versa haha. It was my first time trying markers too. They definitely stop you from going too heavy into the detail so it was nice to use both mediums and strike a balance in this project. I only have a limited amount of markers so i had to take my best guess with the values. Overall I think number 1 and 4 are my best.
Rachel Dawn Owens
Very creative! The colors are great!
CharmLotta
14d
Level 2. It seems I'm not very good at exploring. After drawing a first thumbnail I just saw in my imagination only one solution I liked. For example, I didn't try values combinations where the objects could merge with the background to much, or where the details blend together. I understand the benefits of making multiple thumbnails, but I'm not a great fan of it at the moment.
@flixkopf
17d
Now that starts to feel like doing art Still working on the pic of the girl
Aubrey Hannah
Shading really makes an image come to life, doesn't it? Great job!
Tommy Pinedo
Here is my attempt for this assignment. Pretty hard at first because I wasn’t sure how I can make each thumbnail different. I watched the two demos for level 1 and gave it a try. I tried to make each thumbnail different and try different colors and still keep it with 3 values. I ⭐️ the ones I liked lol. Feedback is always welcomed. 🙏🏻
Rachel Dawn Owens
These look great! This one is my favorite. The only thing I might do differently is break up that diagonal with some smaller shapes. It helps draw the focus up to the face instead of distracting from it.
Tofu
22d
First 6 attempts for level 1. Honestly it's pretty fun even though it was kinda daunting at first. Definitely have a few other ideas to try but these are the ones so far. Still not completely sure how to go about the facial features, tough to really see the different values there or even visualise what is more suitable to put there.
Aubrey Hannah
I totally know what you mean. The face is probably one of the most difficult parts to simplify because of all the complicated shapes and values in it.
Sajal Khare
This probably one my favourite excercise I wanna practice even more images working on the 2nd image 5 value thumbnail anyway here is my attempt please critique it :)
Aubrey Hannah
Glad you enjoyed it! I like some of the work you did with the backgrounds to add variation.
Pierre Souloumiac
I tried markers, pencils and fountain pen. The advanced images were definitely harder. What was hard ,for me, was to break away from the picture and imagine a different lighting, value for the garment & hair or background.
hobodios
1mo
*The two last images are the big thumbnails* I had a HARD time making good looking shapes I feel like this is one of my weaknesses .-. I don't hate them though but I do wish they were better.
Aubrey Hannah
Learning how to make good shapes is definitely a daunting challenge. I've had some trouble with that myself. Some of yours look really good though, and you did a great job with clearly separating your values for maximum contrast.
taisiia sheldon
This is how its going!
@dannytheartist6
Please note my reason for not using normal drawing paper is to lower my expectations. For some reasons, I have urge to make "good" sketch on good quality paper. In my area, there is no sketch book with large amount of paper which also increase my expectations to not to draw "bad"(Even though they are sketches) Anyway, I hope for a critique from you guys
Rachel Dawn Owens
These are looking pretty good and I don’t mind the notebook paper. As long as I can see your drawings. The colors you used are nice. I love seeing more colorful stuff posted here. Don’t be afraid to loosen up your marks more. One exercise you could try is this one- Fill a whole page with abstract marks. Make a mess. It’s fine if it’s bad. Try to experiment with your tools. You can’t be scared of a bad drawing. It’s fine. Let it happen. These are looking great. I think you could simplify this one woman’s face more. The rest looks great. I like how you drew her dress. Don’t overthink it. Keep going!
@deadsm
1mo
I took my time to ensure these thumbnails were useful for creating a piece. I know they have blended edges in places and too much detail for a notan study, but I didn't want to ignore the momentum I gained treating this like an actual project. I hope it's still valuable as an exercise! Feedback is always appreciated!
Rachel Dawn Owens
Yes! Make more of these. Maybe process them further. Design the composition to the simplest statement. Don’t worry about the little parts so much (nose, eyes, hat, ect…) think about the abstract shapes. Piece them together like a puzzle. This is a fun one. I hope this is helpful-
@nick_laze
1mo
I had a lot of fun doing these. I do values thumbnail on a regular basis but this was my first time doing more than one sketch for a single image. With these i tried to be faster so I could focus more on trying different values combination rather than have it looking good. I'd appreciate some critiques or suggestions. I'll do the same with the other pictures
@nick_laze
1mo
Day 2. I feel like I could use some idea to get out my comfort zone. I think the third one (bottom left) is my favorite
You Ji An
2mo
2cm x 3cm thumbnails :D
Luis Ángel Ruiz de Gopegui Rando
Here are my thumbnails. I hope I did them well. I enjoyed the experience... it makes my mind work...
Rachel Dawn Owens
Enjoying the experience and working the mind is the best part! These notan sketches are looking nice! Remember to keep your edges sharp for this one!
@julia52
3mo
I enjoyed the assignment, but I don't think I executed it as well as I could have.
ANX804U
3mo
hey, you have well executed assignment. the composition is well arranged and diversified as said in assignment. my favourite one from old man would be the one with circular arc in background, idk but something about that example is making composition look out more and making out balanced contrast. In second exercise I think you need to put some more darks and also some more gradation, because white gaps are visible in lines, could be due to brush texture or you might have tired from doing first one, try when your mind is much free and relaxed.
@sweethouse
I found this assignment was great for making me ignore the details and just focus on the shape design for the different compositions.
@madin
3mo
I think i got too caught up in details halfway through each one, but it was fun playing around with the different value keys
Melanie Scearce
The inverse image is a really cool idea!
@pmirko
3mo
i have just the first image for now, i''l make the second one when i have time this week, very difficult to make 5 versions with only 3 values...
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