Grey scale value studies are very helpful for finding the right lightness or darkness of your subject. It is often difficult to see past the colour to the values of what you are trying to paint.

This exercise is a simplified version of a value study. Take the two extremes of light and dark within your subject and execute a quick painting to see where the highlights and shadows are. This is a great way to see the shapes of your lights and darks. You can also see what your painting might look like if you were to increase the contrast for drama and effect.

This can also be a great way to under-paint. choose warm darks with Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna so that as you overlay cooler colours for reflected highlights, you have a warm base to allow through in places. Then you can lighten the darks and darken the lights to bring in your mid-range values.