Five Tone Values: A Formula That Really Works with Helen Van Wyk

Unlock the secrets to creating stunningly realistic (plausible) paintings with Helen Van Wyk's proven technique.
IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE VIDEO LESSON FROM HELEN VAN WYK, LET IT BE THIS ONE.
In this essential lesson, Helen breaks down the core principle that every artist needs to understand and apply in their work.
In this lesson, Helen breaks down her unique painting formula: 5S (Five Steps) + 5T (Five Tone Values) = DR (Dimensional Realism). Follow along as she demonstrates how to apply these concepts to achieve depth and dimension on a flat canvas.
Helen has a profound appreciation for the concept of the five tone values. She views these values as essential components in painting, crucial for achieving dimensional realism. Her deep commitment to the importance of these tone values underscores their role in creating depth and lifelike qualities in artwork, reflecting her belief in their fundamental impact on successful painting techniques.
What You'll Learn:
The Five Tone Values: Body Tone, Body Shadow, Cast Shadow, Body Reflection and Highlight.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Understand the five steps to incorporate these tone values into your paintings.
Gain insights on how to observe and replicate light and shadow in your own work.
Why This Matters:
Dimensional realism is the key to making your paintings come alive. By mastering these five tone values, you'll be able to create the illusion of depth, making your subjects pop off the canvas.
Share this video with fellow artists who are looking to enhance their painting skills. Dive into the world of dimensional realism and take your artwork to the next level with Helen Van Wyk's expert guidance.
Subscribe now and embark on an unforgettable journey of artistic discovery with Helen Van Wyk.
00:00 Music and Intro Graphics
00:14 Helen's Painting Equation
01:48 Helen's Painting Language
02:03 The Body Tone
07:22 The Body Shadow
10:50 The Cast Shadow
18:34 The Highlight (Brighter Brights)
20:52 Advancing The Body Shadow
21:36 The Body Reflection
23:43 No More Tone Values
23:56 How to Sign Your Name

[@mariandevore1384]

She is the gift that keeps on giving

[@HelenVanWyk]

Well said...

[@HappyVacationer]

Thank you so much for letting us continue to enjoy her teaching. She was an amazing painter and teacher. I’ve missed seeing her work!!!

[@HelenVanWyk]

Your very welcome. Helen studied, painted and taught for the vast majority of her life and she deserves to be remembered. I know it's been awhile since you posted this. I am trying to catch-up on replies. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Keep watching and posting.

[@craft-o-matic399]

​@@HelenVanWyk Did Helen ever paint a Sargent study? I watched a two-part series yesterday of Mr. Sanden painting a study of Lady Agnew. I would love to see how Helen approached the same! ❤

[@Tocqueville2023]

I love watching these for the most practical reason. And seeing her lesson in reality looking exactly as she describes. The 5 tones absolutely make

[@HelenVanWyk]

Helen's approach to the five tone values in painting really brings out the depth and richness in the subject. It's great to hear you appreciate her techniques.

[@SteveL2012]

Wow, the Della robbia painting is proof of the formula. Amazing. ❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Excellent observation. It does look 3D. Thanks.

[@marypartridge5154]

I JUST LOVE THIS LADY HER HUMOUR HER CANDID APPROACH

[@HelenVanWyk]

Absolutely... these qualities made her lessons engaging and relatable. It's great to see you appreciate her style...Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy the other lessons and more soon to be posted.

[@Gloria-qy3dd]

Water minerals causes that,water evaporates through clay.Great lessons.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Glad to hear you're enjoying Helen's lessons. And thanks for the info about the minerals at 19:45 in the video. Very interesting.

[@Tocqueville2023]

Thank you, Helen!

[@HelenVanWyk]

You very welcome. This lesson on the five tone values runs at the heart of Helen Van Wyk’s teachings. They’re the foundation for achieving dimensional realism and giving your paintings that lifelike quality. I’m glad this lesson resonated with you...it’s one of Helen’s most valuable insights for artists.

[@deb533]

Was introduced to HVW back in the 1990's on PBS. Learned a great deal from her and she had a pleasant personality. Hope to meet you soon HVW, I wonder what you're up to in Heaven...

[@jultolentino7515]

She's gifted by sharing her knowledge.thank you

[@DivaJan]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts. Helen's teachings have truly touched so many lives, and it's wonderful to hear how much she meant to you. Whatever challenges you may be facing, please know that you are not alone. Art has a way of bringing comfort and inspiration, and I hope you continue to find joy in Helen’s lessons. Stay strong and take care.

[@juliemcmann5422]

She’s making soup of course, and painting. She was absolutely amazing.

[@veronikababonics1839]

You are amazing!!! Have a great day. ❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Apologies for the late reply... Helen passed away many years ago so a personal response from her is not possible. She surely would have deeply appreciated your kind post. Hope you are enjoying the other lessons.

[@veronikababonics1839]

@@HelenVanWyk I am so sorry hearing it. Bless her soul. 🤍

[@melianna999]

Excellent teacher.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you! Helen’s lesson on the five tone values is an incredible resource for any artist. These tone values are fundamental to her approach and key to creating lifelike paintings. I’m so glad you enjoyed this essential lesson...it’s one of her finest teachings.

[@John-mz8rj]

Nice job of the life painting.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks for watching. Helen’s five tone values are a game-changer for achieving realism and depth in art. She viewed them as an essential part of her philosophy, and it’s amazing to see how they can transform a painting. Happy to hear you enjoyed the lesson...it’s a true classic.

[@blessOTMA]

Love Helen! Thank you for posting these videos!

[@HelenVanWyk]

Your welcome and thanks for your continued support.

[@Mark-wx7vp]

Thanks a bunch. I really enjoy learning from her !

[@HelenVanWyk]

That's great to hear. Many more of Helen's lessons to come. Thanks for watching.

[@AmNhacThienNhien]

I have learned a lot from her. Thank you so much

[@HelenVanWyk]

You are very welcome. Hope you enjoy Helen's other lessons.

[@SharingItForward]

Thank you

[@HelenVanWyk]

You're welcome. BTW, this lesson on the 5 tone values will help you to better understand many of Helen's other lessons. Enjoy!

[@carolinafernandezoro733]

Excellent!

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you. Helen’s lesson on the five tone values captures the core of her teaching philosophy. This concept is a cornerstone of her approach to creating dimensional realism and transforming a flat canvas into lifelike works of art. Glad to see you enjoyed it. Its a must-watch for any artist looking to elevate their skills. If fact, this lesson was the number one lesson in July. Thanks for watching.

[@Maria-2405]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks.Helen’s focus on the five tone values is a defining part of her teaching philosophy. These values are essential for creating the depth and dimension that make paintings feel alive.

[@59jaguar]

How about a portrait painting session with Helen? Thanks

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks for the suggestion. Helen produced many lessons on portraiture painting, one will be selected.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Here is a session with Helen doing her self portrait. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWKTXn2Hmtl5oqMsi=WbW2wMXOHyT5tsdH

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another portrait lesson has been posted. Here is the link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U&si=jdjS-XLxbGP7f8xl

[@gpcttech]

❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

👍🎨

[@abrahamhunterart2318]

I’m kind of transfixed by what kind of brush she’s using? I don’t think it’s a sable. Does anyone know or have any guesses?

[@HelenVanWyk]

@abrahamhunterart2318 In another lesson, here is Helen making reference to the type of brush she is using: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iquaZHV-asegatU Here she says "Yes, I use a sable brush."

[@HelenVanWyk]

Here is another reference to Helen's brushes: kzbin.infoDGGy6DvbXu8?t=2m55s Here she talk about the use of synthetic brushes.

[@samirsabri1672]

Hello..does this rule (5 tone) apply about any subjects or only the still life subject…thank you 🙏💐

[@HelenVanWyk]

Unfortunately, since Helen passed away in 1994, a direct answer from her is not possible. However, referring to Helen's commentary from this lesson around 03:00, the guidance she is giving is basically that yes, the 5 tones can be applied to any subject matter with various progressions. Here is the excerpt: "According to the effect that you want dictates how carefully you paint in these body tones. But nevertheless, that's basically what I do to begin with. They may take on the shape of someone's chin, or it may take on the shape of a tree. May take on the shape of... well... anything. Because I see everything in this world in five tones...and pretty much do them in five steps. The progression of application may change." So it sounds more like guidance than a rule. I hope this helps. Helen has other lessons that talk about the 5 tone values and perhaps those can give you a little more insight into her thinking.

[@DivaJan]

Those 5 tones most definitely apply to portrait, still life and landscape. Actually to anything you do not want to appear as laying "flat" on the canvas.

[@samirsabri1672]

@@HelenVanWyk Good evening: Honestly at first I did not konw that Helen had died…and after l learn that, every time l watched her videos ..l felt bitterness and extreme sadness over her passing💔l pray to God Almighty to have mercy on her and admit her into paradise…🤲💐💐💐thank you so much to your answer…🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@blessOTMA]

@@samirsabri1672 It's always amazing to think Helen passed 30 years ago because she had... and has, a timeless, immediate quality. A wonderful person.

[@CraigsLister]

@samirsabri1672 Don't be sad because of Helen's passing. Helen was an excellent artist, teacher, and author. The vast amount of material she left us about painting is lasting, continuing to teach current and future artists and even current and future teachers. I'm grateful she had such a passion for painting and teaching.

[@jordanmatthew6315]

Next, i wanna know how she makes her soup - i am curious now.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Please don't be disappointed but there never was a soup lesson. Just top-notch oil painting lessons. In fact, in one of her last lessons, she mentioned she doesn't know how to make soup. Purely speculation, but the soup mention might have been a metaphor for her comprehensive and nurturing approach to teaching painting, suggesting that her lessons were as comforting and fulfilling as a homemade soup. It could have been just her way of adding a touch of humor and warmth to her teaching stvle. Please enjoy Helen's other lessons. I don't think you will be disappointed. Thanks for watching.

[@deb533]

Ah yes, Helen's soups, I bet she made awesome soups 😄

[@blessOTMA]

@@HelenVanWyk " In fact, in one of her last lessons, she mentioned she doesn't know how to make soup. " I remember that! 😂

[@williamroberts1819]

She just a bad ass.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, her knowledge and teaching style are impressive. She has a cleverness about her, although you sometimes have to listen carefully to catch it. Thanks for the support, it's appreciated.

[@CraigsLister]

For sure...

[@veral8979]

❤😊🙏💖

[@HelenVanWyk]

👍🎨

[@Baka_Komuso]

Ah ha! That’s how it’s done ! Those are not real flower pots…. I Can tell…(I am subscribed)😊

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks for the comments and for supporting the channel; it is appreciated.

[@jatinderdevgun9093]

Im still waiting for that eternal soup recipe......

[@HelenVanWyk]

There are others, like you, who would have liked to see Helen create a soup making video. However, in one of her final lessons, she mentioned that she didn’t really know how to make soup. It allowed her to focus on what she did best: sharing invaluable oil painting tips, procedures, and techniques. Thanks for your comment and support.