Shattered Value Art: A Guide to Creating Striking Value Drawings
Explore the captivating technique of shattered value art with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to create, teach, and appreciate this unique drawing style that transforms ordinary images into dramatic, value-rich compositions.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated August 19, 2023
Introduction to Shattered Value Art
Shattered value art is a captivating drawing technique that transforms ordinary images into dramatic, fragmented compositions with strong value contrasts. By breaking an image into irregular geometric shapes and applying different values to each section, artists create striking visual effects that emphasize form, depth, and dimension. This technique not only produces visually compelling artwork but also serves as an excellent exercise for understanding and mastering value in drawing.
Whether you’re an art educator looking for engaging projects, a student developing value rendering skills, or an artist seeking new creative approaches, the shattered value technique offers a structured yet creative way to explore the power of light and shadow in art.
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<span>What is Shattered Value Art?</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Shattered value art combines contour line drawing with value shading to create the illusion that an image has been shattered into fragments while maintaining recognizable forms.</div>
Shattered value art, also known as fractured or broken glass drawing, is a technique where an image is divided into irregular geometric sections that resemble shattered glass. Each section is then rendered with different values from light to dark, creating a dramatic contrast that gives the artwork visual impact and dimension.
The technique serves multiple purposes:
It teaches value control and gradation
It demonstrates how value creates the illusion of three-dimensionality
It offers a creative way to approach drawing familiar subjects
It develops shading skills through focused practice
This approach is particularly popular in art education settings because it provides a clear structure for students to practice value rendering while producing visually impressive results. The fractured appearance allows for creative interpretation while maintaining recognizable subject matter.
Key Benefits of Shattered Value Drawing
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<span>The Elements of Value in Art</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Understanding value is essential to successful shattered value drawings and all forms of visual art.</div>
Value in art refers to the lightness or darkness of colors or tones. It’s one of the fundamental elements of art and plays a crucial role in creating the illusion of form, depth, and dimension in two-dimensional work.
Value Scale Fundamentals
A value scale represents the gradient from light to dark. In traditional drawing, this typically ranges from white (the lightest value) to black (the darkest value), with various shades of gray in between.
In shattered value art, understanding and controlling this range is essential for creating dramatic, three-dimensional effects. Artists typically work with:
White (the lightest value)
High-key values (light grays)
Mid-tones (middle grays)
Low-key values (dark grays)
Black (the darkest value)
As noted by MassArt’s Elements of Art guide, “Value is the lightness or darkness of tones or colors. White is the lightest value; black is the darkest. The value halfway between these extremes is called middle gray.”
A well-executed shattered value drawing includes a wide range of values, from the lightest lights to the darkest darks, creating maximum contrast and visual impact.
Evolution of Value Techniques in Art
Renaissance
Chiaroscuro
Italian masters developed chiaroscuro technique using dramatic contrasts between light and dark to create the illusion of three-dimensional volume.
19th Century
Tonal Drawing
Artists focused on precise gradations of tone, using techniques like cross-hatching and stippling to create subtle value transitions.
20th Century
Cubism and Fragmentation
Modernist movements fractured images into geometric planes, laying groundwork for contemporary approaches to broken value compositions.
Contemporary
Shattered Value Technique
Modern art education adopts fragmented value approach as a teaching tool for understanding light, shadow, and three-dimensional form.
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<span>Creating a Shattered Value Drawing</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own shattered value artwork.</div>
Creating a shattered value drawing involves several distinct steps. The process combines careful planning with technical drawing skills and value rendering.
Step 1: Select Your Reference Image
Choose a subject with clear forms and interesting value contrasts. Images with recognizable silhouettes and definite light sources work best. Popular subjects include:
Lighthouses
Portraits
Animals
Landscapes with distinct features
Still life objects with interesting shapes
Step 2: Transfer the Basic Contours
Begin by lightly sketching the basic outlines of your subject. Focus on capturing the essential contours without adding details. This creates the foundation for your shattered composition.
Step 3: Create the Shattered Effect
This is where the magic happens:
Draw irregular geometric lines across your image, creating a fractured or shattered glass effect
Vary the size and shape of the fragments for visual interest
Ensure lines intersect with the main contours of your subject
Create approximately 15-30 fragments depending on your drawing size
Step 4: Assign Values to Each Fragment
Before beginning to shade, plan your value distribution:
Create a value scale as reference (from white to black)
Decide which fragments will be light, medium, and dark
Consider the original lighting of your subject, but feel free to take creative liberties
Aim for a balanced distribution of values across your composition
Step 5: Rendering Values
Now comes the detailed work of shading each fragment:
Start with the darkest values first (many artists find this easier)
Shade each segment with a consistent, even value
Use smooth, controlled pencil strokes in the same direction
Create clean transitions between different value areas
Pay attention to the edges between fragments
As recommended by Mr. Knight Art’s teaching resources, “When creating your value scale, practice applying even pressure and consistent strokes to achieve smooth gradations from light to dark.”
Shaded Value Quality Assessment
Check these criteria when evaluating your shattered value drawing
Drawing shows understanding of how value creates form
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<span>Materials and Techniques</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The right tools and approaches can significantly enhance your shattered value artwork.</div>
Essential Materials
While shattered value art can be created with basic supplies, having the right materials helps achieve better results:
Drawing paper: Medium-weight paper with some texture works best for graphite shading
Pencils: A range of graphite pencils (2H to 8B) for achieving different values
Erasers: Kneaded eraser for lifting graphite and creating highlights
Blending tools: Tortillons or blending stumps for smooth gradations
Ruler or straight edge: For creating clean geometric fracture lines
Reference image: Either printed or displayed on a screen
Shading Techniques
Different approaches to shading can create varied effects in your shattered value drawings:
Hatching and cross-hatching: Using parallel or intersecting lines to create value
Circular shading: Small circular motions that create even tone
Smooth blending: Using tortillons to create seamless value transitions
Stippling: Using dots to create texture and value (advanced)
According to Art Room Online’s shattered drawing resources, “Focus on creating smooth, even values within each segment, paying careful attention to the transitions between light and dark areas.”
Recommended Drawing Supplies for Shattered Value Art
Quality materials for best results
Category
Price
Notes
Basic Drawing Pencil Set (2H-8B)
$8-$25
Essential for creating full value range
Premium Drawing Paper (9"x12" pad)
$12-$30
Smooth/medium texture recommended
Blending Tools Set
$5-$15
Tortillons and blending stumps
Quality Kneaded Eraser
$2-$5
For precise highlight creation
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<span>Teaching Shattered Value Art</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Educators have embraced shattered value drawing as an effective way to teach value, form, and shading techniques.</div>
Shattered value projects have become staples in many art classrooms for several compelling reasons:
They provide structured practice with value and shading
They produce visually impressive results that motivate students
They can be adapted for different skill levels and age groups
They combine technical skills with creative decision-making
Classroom Implementation
For art educators looking to introduce this technique, consider this implementation framework:
Introduction (1 class period)
Demonstrate the concept of value with examples
Show samples of shattered value drawings
Practice creating value scales
Planning Phase (1 class period)
Select/provide reference images
Transfer basic contours
Create shattered effect with pencil lines
Rendering Phase (2-3 class periods)
Assign values to different fragments
Practice shading techniques
Focus on creating smooth, consistent value within each section
Refinement and Critique (1 class period)
Add final touches and clean up edges
Conduct group critique focusing on value contrast and technique
Teacher Laura Johnson’s shattered drawing slideshow emphasizes: “The most successful projects show a full range of values and maintain consistent shading within each fragment while still preserving the overall recognizability of the subject.”
Assessment Criteria
When evaluating shattered value drawings, consider these key criteria:
Technical skill: Quality and consistency of shading
Value range: Inclusion of full spectrum from white to black
Composition: Effective fragmentation that enhances the subject
Effort and completion: Attention to detail throughout the drawing
Growth: Improvement in value control and shading technique
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<span>Creative Variations</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Beyond the basic approach, there are many ways to expand and personalize the shattered value technique.</div>
While the traditional shattered value drawing uses pencil on paper with grayscale values, many creative variations can add interest and personalization:
Medium Variations
Colored pencil: Create shattered value drawings with a limited color palette
Charcoal: Achieve deeper blacks and more dramatic contrasts
Digital drawing: Use tablet drawing programs to create precise value control
Mixed media: Combine traditional drawing with collage elements
Compositional Approaches
Theme-based shattering: Create fracture patterns that relate to the subject matter
Selective fragmentation: Shatter only portions of the image for emphasis
Value inversion: Reverse the expected values for dramatic effect
Multiple subjects: Combine several images into one shattered composition
As one Pinterest board devoted to shattered drawings suggests, “Experimental approaches that blend traditional shattered value techniques with personal interpretations often create the most compelling results.”
The skills developed through shattered value drawing extend well beyond this specific technique:
Artistic Skill Development
Value perception: Enhanced ability to see and recreate value relationships
Shading technique: Improved control of drawing media for smooth value transitions
Form understanding: Better grasp of how light and shadow create three-dimensional form
Composition skills: Strengthened ability to create balanced, visually interesting arrangements
Broader Applications
Preparation for painting: Strong value understanding translates directly to painting
Design fundamentals: Value control is essential in graphic design and illustration
Observational skills: Heightened ability to analyze visual information
Problem-solving: Practice making creative decisions within structured parameters
Digital Art Teacher notes that “Understanding value relationships is perhaps the most crucial foundational skill for all visual artists, and the shattered value exercise provides focused practice in an engaging format.”
Common Questions About Shattered Value Art
What exactly is shattered value art?
Shattered value art is a drawing technique where an image is divided into irregular geometric shapes (like shattered glass) and each segment is rendered with different values from light to dark. This creates a dramatic, fragmented appearance while practicing value control and shading techniques. The approach transforms ordinary subjects into visually striking compositions focused on value contrast.
What are the two extremes of value in art?
In art, the two extremes of value are white (the lightest value) and black (the darkest value). As noted in art education resources, these represent the complete range of lightness and darkness, with middle gray sitting halfway between these extremes. In shattered value drawings, incorporating this full range from white to black creates the most dramatic and effective results.
What is the darkest value in art?
The darkest value in art is black. In the value scale, black represents the complete absence of light and sits at the extreme dark end of the spectrum. When creating shattered value drawings, using true black in select areas creates maximum contrast and visual impact. Artists typically use soft graphite pencils (6B-8B) or charcoal to achieve the darkest possible values in their drawings.
What materials do I need for shattered value drawing?
The essential materials for shattered value drawing include:
Drawing paper with some texture
A range of graphite pencils (2H through 8B)
Kneaded eraser for highlights and corrections
Blending tools like tortillons or blending stumps
Ruler or straight edge for creating fracture lines
Reference image
While you can create shattered value drawings with just a regular pencil and paper, having a range of pencil hardnesses allows for greater value control and more dramatic results.
How do I choose a good reference image for shattered value drawing?
When selecting a reference image for shattered value drawing, look for:
Images with clear, recognizable silhouettes
Subjects with interesting forms and contours
Photos with good lighting and value contrast
Images that aren’t too complex with excessive details
Subjects that have personal meaning or interest
Popular choices include lighthouses, animals, portraits, landscapes with distinct features, and still life objects with interesting shapes. The image should remain recognizable even when broken into fragments.
What are some ways to create more interesting shattered patterns?
To create more interesting shattered patterns:
Vary the size and shape of fragments (avoid repetitive patterns)
Include both angular and curved fracture lines
Create smaller fragments in areas of interest
Align some fracture lines with major contours of your subject
Create radiating patterns from focal points
Consider the subject matter when designing your pattern (e.g., water-like fractures for ocean scenes)
The most effective shattered patterns enhance the subject matter while creating visual interest through variety and thoughtful placement.
Why is shattered value drawing popular in art education?
Shattered value drawing is popular in art education for several reasons:
It provides structured practice with value and shading
It breaks down complex skills into manageable steps
It produces visually impressive results that motivate students
It allows creative decision-making within clear parameters
It combines technical skill development with artistic expression
It teaches fundamental principles of light, shadow, and form
This technique gives students a concrete way to practice value rendering while creating artwork that demonstrates clear visual impact and personal achievement.
How can I achieve smooth, consistent shading in each fragment?
To achieve smooth, consistent shading in each fragment:
Use consistent pressure throughout each section
Shade with small, controlled strokes in the same direction
Build up value gradually rather than trying to achieve it immediately
Use blending tools (tortillons) for seamless transitions
Start with light pressure and gradually increase for darker values
Practice on scrap paper before shading important sections
Maintain clean edges between different value areas
Remember that smooth shading requires patience and practice – don’t rush the process.
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<span>Inspirational Examples</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Looking at successful shattered value drawings can provide inspiration and guidance for your own projects.</div>
Successful shattered value drawings share several key characteristics:
Strong value contrast: Effective use of the full value range
Clean execution: Precise edges and consistent shading
Thoughtful fragmentation: Fracture patterns that enhance the subject
Balance: Good distribution of light, middle, and dark values
The Pinterest board “Shattered drawing” curated by Rebecca Comer showcases numerous student examples that demonstrate these principles, providing excellent visual references for teachers and students alike.
Shattered value art represents a perfect intersection of technical skill development and creative expression. By breaking down complex subjects into geometric fragments and rendering each with controlled values, artists and students create visually compelling artwork while mastering fundamental drawing skills.
The technique offers a structured approach to understanding value relationships—one of the most important concepts in visual art. Through careful observation, planning, and execution, artists create striking compositions that showcase the dramatic impact of value contrast.
Whether you’re an educator looking for effective teaching tools, a student developing your drawing skills, or an artist exploring new creative techniques, the shattered value approach offers a valuable addition to your artistic toolkit. The skills developed through this process—value control, consistent shading, and understanding of form—will enhance all aspects of your artwork, whatever medium or style you choose to pursue.
By embracing the creative constraints of the shattered value technique, you’ll develop a stronger understanding of how light and shadow create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface—the essential magic at the heart of all representational art.
