Value Study

"Vernal Pool", 24" x 30", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

Lately I have been incorporating my digital camera and computer in my painting process to give me an instant view of the value pattern. As a painting is progressing, I will take a photo of it. Then in a photo program, I convert the image from color into sepia tones, which easily shows me how well the value pattern of lights and darks is working.


"Vernal Pool", sepia tone photo

The main emphasis of my work is on color. There can be a great pattern set up between different colors, but I also want the painting to show well in dim light when the colors are barely visible. Viewing a small digital image in sepia tones with all color removed basically gives me an instant value study, which I find very helpful in developing strong compositions.