Using Value to Create Depth & Distance - oil class

Using Value to Create Depth & Distance - Oil Painting Workshop with Patricia Sweet

Color can be beautiful, but value is what gives a painting its structure, light, and sense of space. In this workshop, students will set color aside and focus on the foundation of every successful painting—value.

Working with only dark brown (Raw Umber or Van Dyke Brown) or black and white, students will learn to mix a complete string of values from the darkest dark to the lightest light. This simple palette allows artists to concentrate on seeing and painting subtle value relationships without the distraction of color.

Through demonstrations and guided instruction, students will explore how value creates depth, distance, atmosphere, and form. We'll simplify the landscape into clear value masses and learn how atmospheric perspective causes distant objects to become lighter and lower in contrast while foreground elements remain stronger and more defined.

Students will learn to:

Mix an accurate string of values from dark to light

Recognize and organize the ten major value groups

Create depth and distance using value alone

Build strong compositions through value patterns

Use contrast to establish a focal point

Develop form and atmosphere through subtle value transitions

By the end of class, each student will complete a value study oil landscape that demonstrates how a carefully organized value structure can create the illusion of light, atmosphere, and three-dimensional space. These techniques provide a strong foundation that can be applied to all future paintings, regardless of subject or color palette.

Students should bring:

White Paint and one of the following: Black, Van Dyke Brown or Raw Umber Palette - neutral gray palette is preferred.

Your palette could be as simple as a white foam plate 

Canvas - 8x10 or 9x12 with tooth, not slick gesso panel unless specified 

1” and ½” Flat and a medium round brush at minimum. (SOFT brushes -I sometimes use watercolor brushes for my oils) 

Palette Knife for mixing 

Mineral spirits in sealed container - metal or glass 

Paper towels- Viva Brand cloth like is the best!

Register online at https://www.tracksidestudios.com/classes