Term: Value Key

Kevin Weckbach

A painting is said to be high-key when it is dominated by light tones and has few highlights. All of the image should fall on the light end of the value scale. By contrast, low-key paintings have tones from the darker end of the value scale. High-key and low-key palettes are used by artists to create drama and emotion in a painting. High-key paintings feel light and airy, whereas low-key paintings feel mysterious and contemplative.