Accuracy in Oil Painting Values

Starting Out With Correct Values In Oil Painting

One of the ways to ensure that your values are correct is to create a mono-color painting using four values.  I first tone my canvas with a mixture of Red and Burnt Sienna which has been thinned with Gamsol.  This becomes my mid-value.

Next I put in my darkest values using mostly Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue.  Then using a brush and more Gamsol I remove the first "Toning" to create my lightest value.  I also use  paper towel for larger areas.  Then I adjust my mid-tone values.

If I cannot create accurate values using a monochromatic scheme, then it is just going to be that much harder when I add color.  I check my values by constantly looking and trying to 'see' the painting in its monochromatic state.

The finished painting will have more than four values just through the process of completing the painting.

Still on the easel.  Needing a some adjustments

And the final Painting:

Storm Over Great Salt Lake

12" X 14"

Oil on Linen

"Aspens in Snow"

Oil on Linen, 9" X 10"

$325

I'm a bit shocked at the way the 'blue' is showing on my computer screen.  Hopefully it is better on yours.  Trust me it is not this blue in real life.  Actually, the photo on my computer looks so different from this view in Blogger.  Why is that?  I do think the blue on digital cameras often comes out too strong.

This is from a trip to Utah.  I took a drive on the Mount Nebo Loop Road.  Amazing scenery on the road.  There were just a few patches of snow.