Value in visual art defines the lightness or darkness of a color and can fully shape the emotional depth and storytelling in a painting. Value alone can anchor a narrative, evoke emotion, and convey complex ideas. Many believe color does this work, but that's a misconception.

Consider a black-and-white photo: it conveys composition, form, and feeling through variations in light and dark alone, with no color or hue.

After the study phase, I begin the final work with a full underpainting in burnt umber. With this single pigment, I lock in the composition, story, and emotion. Once this is captured, I add color.

This understanding of the role of values in painting has opened my mind to see the world in a new way. I can often perceive value in non-physical areas. Often, I look for the pure importance of something or someone, beyond any colorful embellishments. I can see a sharper contrast between personalities and ideas, and I can see ideas in a physical form. Learning to paint has made my ability to get things done in the world more effective.