Introduction to Value, Space and Form

Value:  Value is the degree of light and dark in a design. It is the contrast between black and white and all the tones in between. Light values are called tints and dark values are called shades. Using highlights and shadows give an illusion of light. Value can be used with color as well as black and white. Below on the left is one of my abstract pieces that I painted and used digital shapes. I do a value study with an adjustment layer on every piece of digital collage art I create, which is a way of checking on light and dark areas. I can make any corrections in the highlights and shadows.
Space:  Space is the area around, within, or between images or elements. It is used to create the illusion of depth. Space can be 2-dimensional, 3-dimentional, negative and/or positive. To illustrate Space, I used a digital collage called “Ice Walk”, which is in the middle below. I started with a photo of an iceberg to give height and depth to this piece. I used highlights and shadows to create a greater illusion of depth.
Form:  Form is a 3-dimensional object having volume and thickness. It is the illusion of a 3-D effect that can be applied with the use of light. On the right below is one of my digital collage art compositions called “Checkerflies.” I wanted the butterflies to look like they were moving and not just flat. I used highlights and shadows to help give form and context.
Next week: Color.