UNDERSTANDING TONAL VALUES, a painting tip from the gallery

When you first begin painting it may seem to you that your pictures appear to be flat and lifeless. Most likely, the reason for this is that your value contrasts are not strong enough. It takes courage to make your shadows as dark as they really appear and keep light areas bright enough. But once you become familiar with a concept that might require you to paint something you know to be white as very dark, you will be astounded at the improvement it makes to your finished work, your painting will "sing" with light.

posted by Dalsing