Value in color refers to how light or dark a color appears. It's often called "lightness". A color's value is not about the hue itself, but rather where it falls on a scale from light to dark.
Understanding Value in Color
Think of it as a grayscale version of a color. Value describes the lightness and darkness, regardless of the specific color. Here’s a breakdown:
- High Value: Colors that are lighter, closer to white. For example, pale yellow and light pink have high values.
- Low Value: Colors that are darker, closer to black. Examples include dark purple and navy blue.
- Mid-Value: Colors that are neither very light nor very dark. Examples include a middle gray or a medium green.
Value Scale
The value scale typically ranges from white (the highest value) to black (the lowest value), with various shades of gray in between. Colors can also be placed on this scale.
| Value | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | Pure white | White |
| High | Very light, close to white | Pale yellow |
| Mid-High | Lighter than mid-gray, but not very light | Light orange |
| Mid | Neutral gray, neither light nor dark | Medium Gray |
| Mid-Low | Darker than mid-gray, but not very dark | Dark Green |
| Low | Very dark, close to black | Navy Blue |
| Lowest | Pure black | Black |
Importance of Value
- Creating Contrast: Value differences create contrast, which is essential for visual interest and readability.
- Defining Form and Shape: In art and design, values are used to create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface.
- Establishing Depth: Lighter values can appear to recede while darker values come forward, which can be used to create depth in images.
- Overall Composition: Different values can help organize and harmonize elements within a design or artwork.
Practical Insights
- Seeing Value: Squinting at an image can help you perceive the value relationships more clearly because it reduces the impact of color hue.
- Working with Value: It is often easier to plan or create images using value first, before introducing color. Working in grayscale helps to ensure that the basic composition, form, and depth are correct.
According to the reference, value in color, also referred to as “lightness,” describes how light or dark a color is. Lighter colors possess higher values, exemplified by orange having a greater value compared to navy blue or dark purple. The reference emphasizes that black holds the lowest value among all hues, while white possesses the highest value.
