Learning Value: Resources
Books, tools, and courses for studying value in art
I've put together a list of resources that have helped me understand value in art, along with some tools and apps others have found useful. Some of these are alternatives to Value Study, and that’s okay. Different tools work better for different people and workflows.
This page exists because value is fundamental to making better art, and no single app or book covers everything. If something here helps you see values more clearly or improve your paintings, that's what matters.
I've tried to be honest about what each resource does well. Use whatever combination works for you.
Books
Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter
by James Gurney
A foundational book covering how light affects color and value. Particularly strong on outdoor lighting scenarios and atmospheric perspective.
View on AmazonHow to Render
by Scott Robertson
Focuses on rendering form through value and shading. Excellent for understanding how light wraps around different shapes and materials.
View on AmazonAlla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting
by Richard Schmid
A comprehensive painting guide with strong chapters on value control. Written by a master painter with decades of experience.
View on AmazonYouTube Channels & Video Series
Proko - Drawing Basics
by Stan Prokopenko
Video series covering fundamental drawing skills including shading and value control. Clear demonstrations with traditional media.
Watch VideosCtrl+Paint
by Matt Kohr
Free digital painting tutorials with a strong focus on value studies and grayscale painting. Organized from beginner to advanced.
Watch VideosApps & Digital Tools
Procreate
A full-featured painting app for iPad with excellent grayscale filters. Works well if you want to create value studies directly in your painting software.
Visit WebsiteAdobe Photoshop
Industry standard image editing software with comprehensive color and value adjustment tools. Powerful for analyzing reference photos.
Visit WebsiteKrita
Free and open-source digital painting software with grayscale conversion and value adjustment tools. Good alternative to commercial options.
Visit WebsiteOnline Courses
Watts Atelier Online
Structured art courses covering drawing and painting fundamentals. Takes an academic approach with strong emphasis on value control.
Explore CoursesNew Masters Academy
Video courses taught by working artists covering classical techniques. Includes dedicated lessons on value and lighting.
Explore CoursesWatercolor Masterclass for Beginners
Comprehensive watercolor course covering fundamentals including value control, color mixing, and painting techniques. Beginner-friendly with step-by-step instruction.
Explore Courses