Could someone school me on values? Photoshop and Procreate Hand Value Studies

PatrickGibson

I have heard different takes on how many values you should apply to a value study, 3, 5, etc.  But how many different values are in a professional value study? Is it a spectrum that can be obtained through transitioning the major planes?  What is the best way to do that digitally (photoshop/procreate)?

PatrickGibson

maybe this is a little better

PatrickGibson

I guess what I'm wondering is what the theory behind translating values to a digital painting (at a professional level) is.  I'm also jumping ahead just to start dabbling myself by watching this video https://youtu.be/Huy7RSzACUU.  This guy's work seems top notch.  Do pros do what this guy does and paint the whole thing on normal layers and merge?   It seems like when I add color it doesnt come out the way i want and the only solution is to use normal layers like this guy does.  Is that a style that'll work for becoming a character and creature designer when it comes to 2d at least?  I can keep throwing tons of hours at learning this and scouring the internet for optimum methods, but any good advice and insight to all of the top methods would be greatly appreciated.  

Brian "Panda" Choi

Highlight
Core Shadow
Rim Lighting

Those are some basic components to focus on with how light interacts with matte objects.

Do more studies.  One hand is  not enough.

PatrickGibson

I'm doing more I'm just not posting it.  I'm trying to get a gameplan together and be as efficient as possible but I'm starting to think imma just go to Syn studio for that 18 month program and get prepared until then.  I have to find like a ton of different perspectives on digital painting to get a clear picture, school would be nice. 

PatrickGibson

And what about ambient occlusion?

PatrickGibson

https://youtu.be/YOtwCG7BLSA this helps

PatrickGibson

i know its not that great so i have to learn the muscles thoroughly and right now I'm trying to get an understanding of values.