Catch weak compositions
Reduce the scene to readable masses before spending hours rendering.
Free in-browser artist tool
See the big shapes before you paint the details.
Turn any reference into a grayscale, notan, or limited-value study. Spot muddy value groups in seconds—without uploading your art.
No signupNo watermarkImage stays on device
Drop a reference here
JPG, PNG, GIF, or WebP · up to 25 MB
A tiny tool for a costly mistake
Color can be convincing while the values are not.
Stop guessing in color
Check whether different hues accidentally share the same value.
Study private references
Client work, life drawings, and unpublished art stay on your device.
Optional Starter upgrade
Carry the study into a finished painting.
$9 / month
Explore StarterPalette extraction
Shadow-map overlays
Paint-by-number assist
300 DPI study sheets
AI-assisted features use LlamaGen services only after you deliberately choose one. The free value-study workflow remains local.
Three steps to a clearer painting
Add a reference
Drop in the photo or artwork you need to diagnose.
Reduce the noise
Choose two to nine values, then blur, boost contrast, or flip.
Save the study
Export a full-size PNG to keep beside your canvas.
Value study FAQ
A better eye starts with fewer values.
What is a value study in art?+
A value study reduces a subject to its light and dark shapes. It helps you test composition, depth, and the focal point before committing to color or detail.
How many values should I use?+
Start with two values for a bold notan or three for shadow, midtone, and light. Add more steps only when the large shapes already read clearly.
Does this tool upload my image?+
No. The free value workflow runs locally in your browser. Your reference is cleared when you close the tab.
Can I use this for watercolor, oils, or digital art?+
Yes. The same value grouping practice helps painters, illustrators, concept artists, plein-air artists, and art students in any medium.