Here are three simple but very useful tools to download, print, and add to your drawing tool collection.

What is a Value Scale?

A value scale is simple drawing tool that can help you see and draw values correctly. The scale to the right has a sliding range of values on one edge and ten graduated sections on the other edge. Save this scale, print it on heavy white paper, and cut it out.

How to use a Value Scale

Hold the value scale in front of your drawing subject, squint your eyes, and look to see what part of the grey scale matches. As you are drawing, use the grey scale to check the value you are creating in the same way.

What is a Value Finder?

In some circumstances, values can be a little hard to see. For example, look at the upper lower edges of the squares on the value scale to the right. They look as if they lighten as they get nearer to the darker value above them and darker at the bottom where they approach the lighter value underneath. That's an optical illusion. Actually, the squares are made of solid greys. If you could surround one of the squares with a single value, you could clearly see it is solid. A value finder is just a piece of paper with a hole cut in it that you can use to surround a value. It works well in situations where one value is somehow influencing how you see another value as with the value scale squares.

A Mid Grey and White Value Finder

Both a white and a grey value finder would be good additions to your collection of drawing tools. A white finder is really useful for seeing lighter values and a mid grey (No. 5 on the scale) finder will give you good idea of where the value you're looking at is on the value scale. Just save the finders, print them on heavy paper, cut around the edges, and cut out the holes in their centers.

Value Scale