How to Use a Black and White Converter for Better Art

Every great artist knows that before you can master color, you must master value.

"Value" is simply how light or dark a color is. When you paint or draw, getting the values right is actually more important than getting the colors right. If your values are wrong, the painting will look flat and unrealistic.

This is where a simple black and white converter like Noir becomes the most powerful tool in your digital art studio.

By stripping away the distraction of color, you can see the "bones" of your image. In this guide, I will show you how to use ImagiTool's converter to improve your artistic workflow.

1. Creating Strong "Value Studies"

Before you start a painting, you need a plan.

• The Problem: Color is distracting. A bright red apple might look "lighter" than a dull blue vase, even if they have the same tonal value.
• The Solution: Run your reference photo through our black and white image converter.
• The Benefit: You instantly see the true lighting structure. You can map out your darkest darks and lightest lights without being fooled by saturation.

2. Checking Your Composition

A strong composition reads clearly even from across the room.

• If you convert to black and white and your subject blends into the background, your composition is weak.
• Use the Contrast slider in ImagiTool to separate your subject. If you need to push the contrast to 100% to see the subject, you know you need to adjust your lighting in the final piece.

3. Prepping References for Charcoal & Graphite

If you draw with traditional media like charcoal, working from a color photo is a mental hurdle. You have to translate "Blue" to "Dark Grey" in your head.

• Workflow: Upload your reference. Use the Gamma slider to open up the shadows so you can see the details you need to draw.
• Export: Save the B&W version and print it. Now you are drawing exactly what you see.

4. The "Squint Test" (Digital Version)

Old masters used to squint at their subjects to blur the details and see the big shapes.

• You can do this digitally. Turn image into black and white, then use a slight blur effect (or just zoom out).
• This simplifies complex scenes into simple abstract shapes, making them easier to sketch.

Conclusion

A black and white converter isn't just for photographers. It is a utility tool for painters, illustrators, and designers.

By teaching your eyes to see in grayscale, you improve your perception of light and form.

Ready to improve your art? Convert image to black and white now and start your next masterpiece with perfect values.