Using the value scales, is life giving to a painting, with 10 being white, to 1 being black. One of my exercises I used for many years in Adobe Photoshop, was to convert my color image of my painting to a black and white image, to check my values and the relationship of my values. At first, sometimes with different colors, I did not develop enough contrast and difference so the end result tended to be a painting without a lot of interest the values were too close to one another. As I continuesd to practice and gained experience, my value reading for my paintings improved. To Show this concept of taking my color image and making a black and white check this out and then also view my color image of my painting too.   

My values in the water ranged from the lighest an 8 to a low of 3-4 with middle tone 6. My Wood Duck Drake values complements the water with values on both the ends, 1 and 10 and also with middle tones 6-7. Note the relationship of the different values to one another, helps to make this painting work. 

Still today I visit my black and white range on each finished painting to ensure good value relationships. If you are working on this in your paintings, use your software to make a black and white of your color image and check on values, when necessary, improve your work before moving your painting for sale in the art market. This will help your paintings read  and also sell better. Thanks be.

Jimmy Springett wildlife painter

Titled, " Early Spring"  Wood Duck Drake on 9" x 12" x 1 1/2" Gallery profile Canvas