This comprehensive guide focuses on the concept of painting within a compressed value range. Many of my artworks utilize this technique to varying degrees. This principle is not only straightforward but remarkably effective. Discovering it years ago was a moment of clarity that has profoundly influenced my work.
What Does This Mean?
Painting within a compressed value range refers to maintaining a consistent lightness level across your colors while allowing variations in hue and saturation. This idea becomes clearer with examples. Consider the stunning landscape by Daniel Garber.
Observe the diverse colors Garber employed for the grass and ground. You can spot yellows, reds, pinks, oranges, purples, greens, and blues. All these hues fall within a similar value range, exhibiting a comparable lightness level.
The grayscale representation illustrates this effectively. While the ground appears more monotonous in terms of hue and saturation, it still possesses some value contrast (though limited at best).
This is also applicable to the sky. Notice the subtle color variations that aren’t represented in grayscale.
Garber’s approach of painting within compressed value ranges allowed him to maintain a straightforward yet authentic value structure. He cleverly employed variations in hue and saturation to enliven the piece. This encapsulates the primary advantage of using compressed value ranges. It empowers you to incorporate color diversity through variations in hue and saturation while preserving the essential value framework.
Consider this recent sunset piece I created inspired by O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Notice the variety of colors present in the illuminated sections. All these colors conform to a compressed value range.
Practical Applications
Here’s a selection of scenarios where compressed values can be beneficial, along with examples:
Rendering Open Skies.
Open skies can often lack vibrancy. By utilizing compressed values with varied hues and saturations, you can infuse them with greater life. For instance, using diverse shades of blue, green, and purple that share a similar level of lightness will create a more intricate portrayal of the sky compared to a flat application of blue. Claude Monet demonstrated this technique in numerous landscapes.
Illustrating Grass, Plants, and Leaves.
Apply compressed values to consolidate areas of grass, foliage, and leaves into cohesive shapes.
Depicting Background Areas.
Utilize compressed values combined with hue and saturation contrasts to formulate engaging yet subtle backgrounds.
Capturing Shimmering Water.
Employ compressed values to portray a serene body of water while reflecting all the vibrant colors and highlights.
Creating Foggy or Misty Scenes.
Utilize compressed values to emphasize or exaggerate the effects of fog and mist. The higher the compression, the greater the fog or mist effect.
Portraying Skin Tones in a Face.
Employ compressed values to reflect subtle shifts in skin tones while adhering to the overall value framework.
Infusing Color Variance in Shadows.
By utilizing compressed values, you can enrich shadow areas while keeping them bold and uncomplicated.
Representing Atmospheric Perspective (Distant Landscape Elements).
Use compressed values to recede areas in the background and create depth, achieving a sense of distance through increased compression.
Creating a Light or Dark Theme.
Shift values toward the light end of the spectrum for a bright, airy effect, like La Chula below. Conversely, move values toward the darker side for a more moody ambiance, as seen in Lake Como.
Eager to Explore Further?
You might find my Painting Academy course quite enlightening. I’ll guide you through the fundamental principles of painting, making it ideal for both novices and those looking to refine their skills.
Thank You for Reading!
Dan Scott
For those in Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to explore your artistic side with the hands-on workshops at Art Tutor Hanoi. Whether you’re a traveler, an expat, or a local looking to unleash your creativity, there’s something for everyone!
