Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

246
Course In Progress

Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

246
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
Sarah NP
7h
Here is my Level 1 A value studies. I noticed the mood of the portrait changed with the change in value composition. I'll post Level 1 B here later. (It's been nearly a year since I posted but I have been following along. I am trying to overcome my messiness!)
Rachel Dawn Owens
Nice start! Thanks for sharing!
Jyayasi (*Jay-o-she*)
Level 2 assignment I enlarged the last one as I really wanted to use the extra 2 values in it. I tried to make these as different from each other as possible.
Rachel Dawn Owens
Woah. These are sick.
@ray1
23h
Rachel Dawn Owens
The level 2 ones on the right side of the page look really great.
Lesulie
1d
level 2 assignment
Rachel Dawn Owens
These are awesome. If you want to take it another step further, you could try some different framings. Move the character around the frame. Zoom in or zoom out. Maybe give some horizontal frames. I love the layout of the pages. The value splotches neatly stacked next to the compositions are cool to see. and your drawings look great.
Amu Noor
1d
Wow! All these are great!
Rachel Dawn Owens
Attempted to simplify the level 2 reference photo as must as possible.
Zander Schmer-Lalama
Hey, this was pretty fun to do! I know I was very rough with the sketch, but I tried my best. I really like the 3rd and 4th attempt I did. Let me know what I should do better. Have a nice day!
Rachel Dawn Owens
These are looking great! Keep making more!
Conrado "Croc" Ramos Rezende
My compositions for the level-1-a.jpg. Any tips? Will do the letter b soon! Composition is indeed a magical subject. It is amazing how simple shapes and values can convey emotion. Also, those photos are incredible. Makes the job easier lol.
Conrado "Croc" Ramos Rezende
The level-1-b.jpg. the last one i messed up, and start inventing stuff lol.
Rachel Dawn Owens
I love the different framings
Melanie Scearce
My level 1 attempts!
Rachel Dawn Owens
If I were to tackle this assignment, this is how I might start.
Maria Bygrove
Oooh, this is such cool idea of how to tackle this! Thanks for sharing :)
Kimberly Lee-Lewis Adams
This is great, Rachel! Our hero!
Conrado "Croc" Ramos Rezende
Always so helpful, Rachel! Thank you!
Maria Bygrove
First very rough thumbnails for Level 1 images. It's amazing how much the feel of a little thumbnail can change depending on the distribution of just three values. I kinda like the the last one best :)
Maria Bygrove
I feel like I'm doing these too rough. I know they're supposed to be quick, and I'm using a large brush in Procreate to not go into any details, but I feel like maybe these are coming out too 'blobby'.
Rachel Dawn Owens
I like the last one the most too!
Jyayasi (*Jay-o-she*)
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
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.
Melanie Scearce
If I'm understanding your question correctly -- I think good design is king and whichever decisions you make to arrive there is up to you. There are endless combinations of local value and lighting that you can explore. I don't think there's a "correct" way to do so. Do whatever you think would look cool! You did a great job with these thumbnails :)
Dennis Yeary
Here the first part of the assignment
Rachel Dawn Owens
These are looking awesome! And you turned it in so fast! I think you’re on the right track. The ideas are there. You did a great job using big, simple shapes of value for the background, body and face. You could make these better if you dropped the lines from the facial features and hands though. It’s natural to want to draw the face or hands, they are important features. But for this assignment, stick to just abstract shapes. I hope this helps!
Full course
You will be given unexpiring access to watch the videos online .
View course details
Give a gift
Give a gift card for art students to use on anything in the Proko store.
Or gift this course:
About instructor
Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.
Help!
Browse the FAQs or our more detailed Documentation. If you still need help or to contact us for any reason, drop us a line and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!