In the first sessions of Color and Design, we focus on value studies. These studies consist of mixing atonal grays with black and white paint to create a 7-step harmonious value scale from white to black with 5 grays in between. For this exercise the gray scale papers are cut into one-inch squares and combined with squares from a deconstructed copy of an Ansel Adams landscape photograph. These “puzzle pieces” are reconstructed into a new composition using the design principles of proximity, repetition and continuation to create a major focal point. The focal point is the viewer's visual entrance into the piece before the eye moves in and around the composition. Carla Aurich Instructor in Art Yeshiva College Value study by Yair Caplan