Sometimes, I look at a print that I am working on and feel that something is missing. I need something to make it pop or something to pull it all together.
Often I can do that by adding a very dark mark or a very light mark.
Value, the range of light to dark is often over looked. Color is easier to see so it often gets more attention.
Some painters do grey scale “drafts” before they paint with color.
One way to check for range of value is to take a black and white photo of your print. Do you see some very light areas as well as some very dark marks?
Another way I check for range of value is to squint at the print. If it blurs into one soft medium mass, then I need to look for ways to add dark darks or light lights.
If you want to build your skills for creating prints with a strong range of value, then join us in the upcoming online class, check out the current printmaking classes.