Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

Drawing Basics

Values

Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

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Course In Progress

Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

76K
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
pinkfin
2h
had so much fun with this task:)
Evan Wray
21h
Also had difficulty coming up with organic variations in the values. Ended up doing more compositional value changes, but it was fun to explore the cropping of the photo and its effect on the overall image. Tried to focus on solid values and shading techniques without getting too bogged down.
@ason
7d
I'm not gonna lie I kept drawing up blanks for different things to do, mostly did what Stan did in his demo. Although that may be because of my unfamiliarity of values and thumbnails. Anyone else struggle with that?
Christopher Corbell
Here are my level 1 value composition thumbnails. I tried a couple in ink as well - not too 'successful' but I want to start mixing in more pen and ink to get better at lines and hatching.
@sosoph
12d
Hi :). Here is my level 2 assignment. I think I made the bigger thumbnail too big and I would have benefited from using a black marker to work faster. This project might have been my favorite so far. It was so fun coming up with different "stories" for the same reference and exploring different ways to present them.
Rachel Dawn Owens
This lesson is one of my favorites too. I love how much you pushed the different ideas. All the small thumbnails have a lot of variety. And you scaled the one up very nicely.
The One
14d
Adding two more value studies in the group..
The One
16d
Tried simple in three tones
Rachel Dawn Owens
That clown portrait is super cool. These are all so nice. Value, shape design, technique. You nailed it.
@sosoph
17d
Hi :). Here is my level 1 assignment. That was so fun. It's really interesting how much the value composition changes the feel of the thumbnail. There are so many possibilities, yet toward the end, I found myself starting to search for new ideas.
Rachel Dawn Owens
You did such a great job with this assignment! These are great abstractions!
@ironfern
20d
Hi! Here's my submission for the assignment. This was definitely challenging! I'd appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
Rachel Dawn Owens
These are really nice notan studies. You did a great job simplifying the shapes of the faces and figures without getting stuck on detail.
Sofy
21d
Round 2 Level 2b there's room for improvement still, but I think there's some more clarity. Thanks again @Patrick Bosworth
Patrick Bosworth
Hey, nice work on all of these!! This thumb reads beautifully, you really simplified everything, but retained enough information that I can tell what this, and what's happened from very far away, excellent job!!
Sofy
24d
Level 2. I have been defeated by the begging woman.
Patrick Bosworth
Great thumbnails! The top row are all really awesome explorations, hard to choose a favorite! The first thumb on the bottom row is excellent. You've really simplified the scene and given the most importance to the face peeking out of the shadow. You could keep exploring that particular thumb idea by adding light to the hands which will tie them to the expression in the face. Right now it just looks like a figure emerging from the shadows, but we miss the story of the begging woman because the hands are in full shadow. The hands and the face are the biggest storytellers of the figure, look for ways to highlight them both to maximize your focus in the image. Keep up the good work!
Gloria Wickman
I really love the second one on the top row of the man being illuminated by the light. Looks very cool!
Arthur Nesbitt
Here's my submissions. I feel like I need to work more on exploring new ideas. I think I was getting too caught up in making it accurate to what I was seeing
Sofy
26d
Level 1b
Sofy
25d
I felt like I rushed the last one, so went back and fixed it
Sofy
27d
Level 1a
Luke
29d
Last set, I think I'm getting much more comfortable with keys and playing with the value groups
Rachel Dawn Owens
Very nice! There’s so much variety in these, yet they all still read well.
Sofy
29d
these look great!
Luis
1mo
My value composition project. In general, I think the 1st picture was easier to do than the 2nd one. For the 1st one, I think I landed on something that works by focusing on the face. For the second, I think the first draft ended up being the best and I ended up not being quite satisfied with any of the other ones.
Michael Yoila
Level 2 work. Not too neat
Melanie Scearce
I like your final notan drawings, but I don't see much exploration in the thumbnails. Particularly in the top set, it all kind of looks like the same drawing. I encourage you to push your small thumbnails a bit more -- include the background in your experimentation, how does it interact with the character? Consider the framing of the character as well, it doesn't have to match the reference image. Think about what kind of changes can you make that affect the message of the image.
Luke
1mo
It seems like its a bit easier when there's more to work with
Melanie Scearce
Good shape design in her face! I like how you merged the shadow shapes in her dress into the background on the left side in the final notan drawing. Nice work 👍
Luke
1mo
I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. These were between 5-10 minutes each, not counting brainstorming time
Luke
1mo
It is mentally draining, but I suppose that means I'm learning things. I think I also went into too much detail on each of them, I'll consider a timer on the next batch.
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Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.
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