Assigment #3: High Key

We'll be focusing on value for the next couple of assignments. Below is a reference chart for value. Notice that the values have been numbered with 0 being the darkest value and 10 being the lightest value. Sometimes artists choose to work within a certain range of the value scale. By doing this you can change the mood of the piece. It also helps to do this on occasion so that you become more aware of the values available to you and how it can affect your work. Sometimes artists slide into a comfort zone on the value scale. It helps to expand your limits and remind yourself of the full range in light and dark that is available to you.



When we speak of high key or low key, we are referring to the value chart. High key is generally in the range of 7 -10. Mid key is around 4-6 and Low Key is 0-3.

When working within a small range of the value scale, details and depth might be lost. Below is a high key painting done by Frank Gardener titled Woman and Doves. Note his use of color to assist the values in adding dimension. His shadows aren't lost because he not only uses value but different colors in the shadowed areas. With such a small range of value, color has supported the architecture and give dimension to his painting.

As a challenge, take a look at Chris Mclelland's images here. He uses a lot of white background which gives his artwork a high key feel. Not all of his artwork done on the white background is high key though. Look through his drawings and ask yourself if they are high key, low key or mid key. (Note that some of them are mixed and have the whole value scale included in the drawing. Try and point these out too.)

Assignment #3:

The theme for this week is "Flight" (anything that flies...birds, kites, airplanes...etc. or choose your own meaning of "Flight" to exhibit in your artwork.)

Using the theme create a high key piece of artwork. Remember to stick to the 7-10 range on the value scale.

This assignment is Due Wednesday July 2nd at Midnight. Please follow the directions on the right column for submission.

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimension but for those who need more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions:

Use watercolors on watercolor paper. Your finished piece should be 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)