Project - Value Composition Thumbnails
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Project - Value Composition Thumbnails
courseDrawing BasicsFull course (177 lessons)
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Rachel Dawn Owens
Attempted to simplify the level 2 reference photo as must as possible.
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project-value-composition-thumbnails.mp4
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ASSIGNMENTS

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
@naeb
2d
The different value “keys” are something I never even thought of like this. It’s super interesting to get creative with.
Rachel Dawn Owens
This is one of my favorite assignments. These are all such great examples. You didn’t get lost in any detail. You kept the focus on the biggest shapes first. Nice work!
@bezet
3d
@aubrey
3d
I’ve been doing this project for the past couple of weeks on and off Trying different references and just trying to have fun with this project! I did watch the demo before I drew these. level 2 is next!
Andrew Kovachik
I thought I had done more of these but these are the only ones I can find.
@khanson7
These are my tries before I watched the demo. I found this harder than I thought to try and think of 5 different ways but it was really cool to see it look cooler as I progressed and had to think outside of the box of the basic value scales. Really cool. I’m gonna try level 2 next
Alison Shelton
Sometimes I like to do the level 2 exercises as well.
Andrew Kovachik
For the pre demo 4 I love your middle bottom thumbnail. Gives a vibe of someone stepping out of the shadows to pick something up.
pinkfin
26d
had so much fun with this task:)
Evan Wray
26d
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
1mo
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
1mo
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
1mo
Adding two more value studies in the group..
The One
1mo
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
1mo
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
1mo
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
2mo
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
2mo
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
2mo
Level 1b
Sofy
2mo
I felt like I rushed the last one, so went back and fixed it
Sofy
2mo
Level 1a
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