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The Value Challenge
posted by Liz Wiltzen on Saturday Sep 10, 2011
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My apologies for running late on getting up the new challenge! We'll get back on track after this one. - David

Rule#1: Simplify, simplify, simplify.

This is all about finding the large abstract shapes. If you take color out of the equation, it gets you looking at things in a whole new way.

You can work from a photograph if you like, but if you really want to raise the bar, paint something from life. Can be anything - a still life, a landscape, a portrait or something else.

So here’s the deal, you can use only 4 values. Lots of squinting and comparing will be required - and some decision making about what to make darker or lighter to stay within the 4 value range. The goal is to create an interesting, linked pattern of shapes. Look for opportunities to bring values closer together in order to lose edges and connect shapes. It’s magic when you find them!

Remember not to paint "objects". That’s not an apple with light on one side and shadow on the other, it’s a light shape beside a dark shape. The more you can think like this, the more fun you’ll have.

PS: Printing a photo out in B&W before you start is most definitely cheating - but no parents here, so do what you need to.
 

The Challenge Entries


The Daily Paintworks Challenge

Contact David at DPW

The DPW Challenge is about sharing, learning, and fun.

Each challenge consists of an image - either a photo or a painting - and a description or instructions. In most cases, participating is as simple as submitting your version of the image.

Anyone can participate by submitting an entry to any challenge - there are no deadlines! You can even submit more than once to a challenge. Any 2D media is welcome and don't be afraid to interpret.

Only for the non-fundraising challenges, please be sure to follow the spirit and the letter of the challenge. For example, each submission must be painted after the challenge is posted!

Simply click on the challenge you want to enter, then click on the Submit to the Challenge! link on the challenge page, fill in the dialog form that appears, and upload an image no larger than 1 mb and at least between 300 to 500 pixels tall or wide.

As a bonus, even if you are not a member of DPW, your challenge entries will be displayed with prices and links for purchase, in addition to description, painting media, and size. So be sure to enter all the information so someone can buy your painting!

And, the best part is there are no fees or commissions. You will also be able to mark your painting as sold when someone does buy it.

Now, will you submit to the Challenge?

The Daily Paintworks Challenge

Submitting to a DPW Challenge has changed.

Sign In or Register


Now you must first sign in or register.

If you have already submitted to a challenge then an account has been created for you.

If that is the case, please click here to retrieve your username and temporary password - use the email address you entered when you submitted your previous entry(ies). Once it arrives by email, sign in, and then click on the my paintworks link, which appears upon sign in, at the top of each page to change your username, if you like, and your password to something more memorable.

Finally, return here and reread this help information, which will tell you how to submit.

Nothing Else Has Changed!


There are still no deadlines, and you can submit to any challenge as many times as you want.

When you click the Submit to the Challenge! link, simply fill out the dialog form that appears. After a quick spam screening, your submission will be posted on this page and available for other artists and potential buyers to see. Best of all, you don't have to sign up for anything and there are no fees or commissions.

Contact David at DPW

The Daily Paintworks Challenge

Submitting to a DPW Challenge is quick and easy.

There are no deadlines, and you can submit to any challenge as many times as you want.

When you click the Submit to the Challenge! link, simply fill out the dialog form that appears. After a quick spam screening, your submission will be posted on this page and available for other artists and potential buyers to see. Best of all, you don't have to sign up for anything and there are no fees or commissions.

Contact David at DPW

The Entry Submission Dialog:
How to search
Please be sure to follow the spirit and the letter of the challenge.
For example, each submission must be painted after the challenge is posted.