The Importance of Value & Contrast in Art
The Importance of Value & Contrast in Art. Pin it for later!
Hi there. How are you?
No matter the color, media, or mark I use in my artwork, I’m always thinking about value and contrast.
Value: degree of lightness or darkness in art
Not only does value add interest to your drawing, but it also creates a sense of depth and dimension.
Since we see and understand objects because of how dark or light they are, value is an incredibly important element of art. You can achieve a full range of dark, medium and light values with a ballpoint pen. It's all about the pressure you put on the pen.
Contrast: differences in art elements
Differences in values, colors, and textures create contrast, making them stand out in a work of art. Consider the difference between black and white values and organic shapes versus geometric shapes.
Contrast creates visual interest and helps the viewer interpret the drawing. Without a full range of value, which helps achieve contrast, ballpoint drawings can appear flat, one note, and uninteresting.
An abstract ballpoint pen drawing in pink. Because it lacks a full range of value, this drawing doesn’t have as much depth as it could.
Value & Contrast in Action
I started this sketchbook spread with a pink ballpoint. As this pen is light overall in value, the overlapping forms don’t contrast all that much from one another. Because of that, it lacks the depth.
Adding in the black creates a greater range of values and more contrast in this sketchbook drawing.
The Power of Dark Values
Now take a look at the other side. The black adds a ton of contrast and increases the range of value exponentially. That’s the power of contrast! Look how much richer the drawing is and how much more depth this side has.
The finished sketchbook spread. Notice how much interesting and rich the right side of the drawing is.
Alternatives to Black
Black isn’t the only way to increase value in a ballpoint drawing. Dark green, purple, brown, and blue can perform the same function of the black in this example. Using color in your darks can also add richness and interest to your work.
Dark green, purple, brown, and blue can be used to darken colors.
Want to Learn More?
If this post piques your interest and you’d like to learn more about how value, contrast, and color as it relates to ballpoint pen drawing, do consider enrolling in the Jen + Ink Courses. They are jam-packed with technique and up-close and personal drawing video.
