Using my latest piece as a learning and information reinforcement for myself and others who are interested.
You only need 2 values to make a statement and describe a piece.
So what im trying to say is, your focus should be making sure your piece makes sense even if it's simplified into 2 values. A common mistake is to make your bounced light(Usually within a shadow) more or equally as bright as your second value(The one with direct light) and the tones within it, usually resulting in messing up the value structure....But that would be for next time.
BecomeTheFridge
This reminds me of a couple vids Sinix did on painting basics, where he discussed that breakdown of two major values. I love how strong your examples look.
I guess the central idea is emphasizing the shape of the subject through contrast and shape language. (even though I understand this conceptually, I still need to put in the actual work to harness it myself....)
The thing I'd have difficulty with is adding in the subtlety while keeping those strong shapes...
Aromartic
It's definitely one of those concepts that come back to relevance even after you think you "Get it", before realizing you don't. At least it's always the case for me with other concepts as well. Though it's for sure one of those concepts you can't just grind hundreds of days on it to get it, it must be intentionally practiced with focus and intent. @BecomeTheFridge