Middle school, and above, aged kids will learn about the value scale and depth by drawing stacked shapes. Value is important for artists to understand to help them use tools more efficiently. This project is easy, requires minimal supplies, and can be done at home or in a classroom.

Completed white charcoal drawings of stacked shapes - Kids Activities Blog
Learn about the value scale with only a few supplies

Art Project Emphasizing Value

For this project, we are experimenting value scale with a simple white charcoal pencil on black paper. Kids will learn how one supply can vary in use and final appearance.

What is value?

The value of art refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.

masterclass

By knowing the value scale of a color, artists are able to use fewer supplies, while adding detail, depth, and variety to their work.

Related: See how artists use colored pencil values on these coloring pages

Supplies Needed to Make This Value Scale

stacked shapes value scale supplies include black paper, white charcoal, erasers, ruler and stencils. Kids Activities Blog
Learning the Value Scale with a few Simple Supplies
  • Black Paper – A toned drawing paper works best for this project. The paper needs to have a bit of a rough surface for the charcoal to adhere to.
  • White Charcoal – Or chalk pastel of any color
  • Cotton Swabs – to blend charcoal
  • Shapes – We chose to use a stencil and roll of tape to assist us in drawing our shapes
  • Ruler – for straight lines
  • Erasers – to clean up any smudges

Directions to Make Value Scale Art

Step 1

Boy drawing with white charcoal on black paper using a rule - Kids Activities Blog
Trace the Ruler to Create a Value Scale guide

Simply trace a line along both sides of a ruler to create a place for the value scale guide. We chose to create 4 layers of shapes in this project. We divided our scale into 4 sections by drawing a line down the center of the scale, and then splitting those two sections in half as well. The child can create as many sections and layers as he or she prefers.

Step 2

Boy using cotton swab to blend white charcoal on black paper - Kids Activities Blog
Using a cotton swab to blend white charcoal

Complete the value scale by coloring each section differently. To achieve this with dry art supplies, we simply layer. For one end of the scale, the child is going to apply very little pressure when using the charcoal. As the child moves across the scale, he or she will apply more pressure and layers to achieve different values. If desired, kids can use cotton swabs to blend segments for a smoother result. Tip: Be careful to not cross contaminate when blending.

Step 3

tracing shapes onto black paper using white charcoal - Kids Activities Blog
We chose to use both stencils and every day objects for our shapes

Lightly trace shapes onto paper to form a bottom layer of shapes. We drew 3 shapes per layer, but kids are free to draw more. Just keep total drawing area in mind as we have more layers to go!

Step 4

Creating our stacked shapes

With light pressure, kids color in the first layer of shapes. When that layer is complete, they need trace more shapes onto the paper. This will be the child’s second layer and represent the next section on the value scale. He or she will fill in these shapes by adding slightly more pressure. Continue this layering process until the child has one layer of shapes representing each section of the value scale. Shapes may overlap or hang off the page.

Step 5

Adding the final touches!

Kids now use a cotton swab to smooth their shapes, being cautious not to blend the layers together. Also, use an eraser to clean any smudges may be left on the paper.

Finished Value Scale Art Project

I just love how Our fun completed Value Scale Art Pieces turned out

I love how our finished value scale art project looks. Since this project is created on a piece of paper, it can be framed, hung on the refrigerator, or mounted in any way you choose!

Our Experience Making this Value Scale Art Project

I believe this is a great opportunity for kids to learn the value scale in a fun and interesting way. This project uses few supplies and is easily adaptable to fit various mediums. The simplicity of this project makes it a great lesson for kids at home or in the classroom.

Value Scale Variations

  • This project works well with any color chalk or chalk pastel.
  • If you don’t have drawing paper, opt for a more rough toned paper such as construction paper. Black cardstock is too smooth for the chalky mediums to adhere to.
  • Consider spraying your finished piece with a fixative (or hairspray) to keep it from smearing.
  • This project could easily be completed on white paper using colored pencils, pastels, or crayons.
Yield: 1

Value Scale Art Project for Kids

Completed white charcoal drawings of stacked shapes - Kids Activities Blog

This simple project teaches kids the value scale while using a stacked shape design.

Prep Time 1 minute
Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Difficulty Medium

Materials

  • Black Paper – A toned drawing paper works best for this project. The paper needs to have a bit of a rough surface for the charcoal to adhere to.
  • White Charcoal – Or chalk pastel of any color
  • Cotton Swabs – to blend charcoal

Tools

  • Shapes – We chose to use a stencil and roll of tape to assist us in drawing our shapes
  • Ruler – for straight lines
  • Erasers – to clean up any smudges

Instructions

    1. Trace a line along both sides of a ruler to create a place for the value scale guide. Divide it into 4 (or more) segments.

    2. Complete the Value Scale by coloring each segment different values. This will be achieved by layering charcoal or adding more pressure while moving across the scale.

    3. Lightly trace 3 or more shapes onto paper to form a bottom layer of shapes.

    4. With light pressure, kids color in the first layer of shapes. When complete, trace more shapes onto the paper. Continue this layering process until the child has one layer of shapes representing each section of the value scale.

    5. Use a cotton swab to smooth shapes, and an erase to remove any smudges.

How did your kids like making a Value Scale Art masterpiece? What shape did they choose to use?



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