Charles Reid's book talks about value massing also. This concept also fits within and is based upon Edgar Whitney's value pattern theory in which he states that there are only 7 basic value patterns in all fine art of the great masterworks.
Charles Sovek also explained this as something which John Singer Sargent employed in his work. He called this a 'statement of values' in which each value shape remains unadulterated by high contrasts within them.
It is online at:
http://www.sovek.com/publications/ar...rets/page2.htm
Value patterns which are not kept unadulterated will become what Tony Couch calls "checkerboard animation'. I call it a 'wallpaper' pattern/design. The large value shapes are chopped up and, as most already know, larger shapes make a stronger statement and are more instantly 'readable' as Harley Brown talks about in his book (Eternal Truths).
I do know that these are only one way to paint . Charles Sovek's also wrote:
"But my teacher wisely delivered a short but eloquent dissertation that I eventually dubbed, "How I learned to look at a Sargent without wanting to paint like him." The reason for this caution is not because Sargent wasn't a superb artist, but because his paintings appear so easily executed. It's all too easy to get mesmerized with the technique, toss aside all other approaches and concentrate solely on duplicating Sargent's surface mannerisms. When this happens, you risk not only losing your own identity as a painter, but also miss the essence of why Sargent's paintings are so successful."
I really appreciate this discussion Peggy
as it is what we teach as a whole lesson on the 'statement of values' and unadulterated value patterns in our International Porcelain Artist Certification- Advanced Master Artist and Teacher lessons.
~Celeste
IPAT,inc. President and Editor of the International Porcelain Artist magazine
www.ipatinc.com