Create a Value Plan

Creating a Value Plan is based on what elements are determined to be emphasized.  From the photograph above, I decided to emphasize the mountains and the trees.

Using the 3 values of Dark, Mid-value, and Light,

• I made the middle ground  trees a Dark value. 
• Behind the Dark value of the trees,  the background Mountains is a Light Value.
• The foreground rocks and stream were left as a Mid-value.

I always try to put the Dark value next to the Light value for higher contrast and to help the focal point stand out.

From this Value Plan, the shapes are transferred to watercolor paper and a Color Study was completed using the values as a planning guide to a final painting. The dark values and light values are helping the focal point where most of the white paper is showing along with brighter colors.