CLASS NOTES:
AD100 Applied Color Theory

The 9-Step Value Scale

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1

DARKS

MIDS

LIGHTS

This separation of values between Black and White is generally called the Grayscale. Studies in psychology show that the average person can readily distinguish 9 levels. The benefit of a 9-Step Value Scale is in its simplicity and balance. The nine steps ranging from Black to White can readily be broken down into three sets of three, referred to as the Darks, Mids and Lights. These sets are in turn represented by one of their values (ofttimes called The Big Three): Value 9 (Black), Value 5 (Battleship Gray) and Value 1 (White.)

Many artists find a comfort zone in the Values they choose to use in their works. These sections of the Value Scale are termed keys, and are generally broken into High Key works, Low Key works, Mid Key works, or Full Key works. Below is a breakdown of the four named keys. Take the time to look at each one, and some of the linked examples.

Examples can be found at Mark Harden's Artchive
This is a good reference site for viewing artwork by many Masters.

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High
Key
(1-5)

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Low
Key
(5-9)

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Mid
Key
(3-7)

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Full
Key
(1-9)

As colors move into highlights they become white. As they move into shadow they become purer, not just blacker.

Impressionism

Highlights become purer while shadows become blacker

Northern European
Reformation

Highlight become clean tints while shadows become Rich Shades.

Italian Renaissance

Highlights become white and Darks are Rich Shades.

Instead of 7.5 heads tall, sometimes 11, 12 or 13 heads tall.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

Luster
Hard shiny surface color

Luminosity
Glowing from within

Irridescence
Shining, flashy, spotty

Chromatic Light
Bathed in overriding dominant light

Chromatic Light in Mist
Bathed on overriding dominating light implying an atmosphere