This assignment was locked May $12$ at $11$:$59$pm$.$

In this exercise, we'll jump back and forth between physical painting and digital image editing as we test how effectively our eyes can interpret and record value.

After completing this exercise, you$$ll be able to complete a simple analog$-$to$-$digital workflow that emphasizes color and value. You'll be able to observe and describe how the color values in your original painting measure up to an original reference photo. This process can act as a helpful troubleshooting gauge with creative work.

Here's a visual example of the three$-$part collage that will look somewhat similar to what you'll turn in:

reference photo limited palette painting digital grayscale copy

All levels of software knowledge and painting are welcome in this exercise! Each person's painting approach may be slightly different and achieve different visual results $-$ this is about testing our ability to observe and record values, not about creating a masterpiece.

Everyone will have the option to share the results on an extra credit discussion forum with no pressure.

OBJECTIVES

Create a value study of your favorite mug or coffee cup using acrylic or gouache paint

Limit your color palette to white $+$ one pair of complementary hues to explore mixing neutrals and tints

Scan or digitally capture the painting and exercise cropping features to clean up edges

Create a desaturated $($grayscale$)$ copy of your painting using an image editing program or app

Collage the reference photo, color painting, and grayscale painting copy all together

Caption the exercise as the instructions dictate

SUPPLIES

Your favorite mug

Smartphone or digital camera to capture a mug reference photo

Graphite pencil to sketch out the composition

Sketchbook with mixed$-$media paper such as watercolor paper

Paint set: we'll only use white, and your choice of two complementary colors

Palette or surface for mixing paint

Brushes and water jar with water $($paper towel or rag is helpful but optional$)$

Scanner or scan app

Photoshop, Pixlr, Gimp or another image editing program

Three short videos are available for you to follow in this exercise. The online painter is using a pitcher rather than a mug, and is using Burnt Sienna $($a neutralized reddish$-$yellow$),$ Ultramarine Blue, and Titanium White. You could use a mixed orange, your blue, and white.

He also tones his surface prior to beginning$--$something you can try but don't need to do$.$

It is recommended to open the videos and watch them in a new tab as you read through these steps.