Element of Design - Tone (b&w) or Value (colour)
Tone or value refers to the lightness or darkness of an object in an image. Tone is the measure of lightness/darkness of a black and white image. Value is the measure of lightness/darkness of a colour image. Value is relative to the background colour and to other objects in the same composition.
Tone/Value can be manipulated to increase or decrease the contrast between objects in an image. This adds additional emphasis on certain elements in the image or create focal points that attract the viewer’s eye.
Changing tone to create gradation can add a sense of three dimensions or depth to the image. Gradations of value will also naturally lead the eye to look from areas of dark to light.
Adding black or white to a colour creates tones of that colour. Dark tones can be associated with darkness, gloom, evil or mystery. Light tones can be associated with openness, innocence or radiance. Dark tones add visual weight whereas light tones create a sense of airiness.
