"Light always travels in a straight line. The shadows that are made by the light are always in a direct response to whatever the light hits, whatever angle the light is coming from and the intensity of the light source. So if bright, high sunshine hits a tree directly from above, it makes a short shadow shape, that doesn’t necessarily help you as an artist to describe the subject.
Later in the day when the sun is very low, it will make a longer more interesting shadow shape, usually more representative of the essence of the tree and the presence of light. If a single light hits a cube, it will make a square shape – if a single light hits a sphere, an ellipse shape. This is called ‘light logic’ and the shadow produced is called a Cast Shadow." http://willkempartschool.com/a-beginners-guide-to-shadow-light-part-1-drawing/ |
Draw your lines with different thicknesses or line weights. Using (accent, Calligraphic) weighted lines adds dimension to your project. To create a calligraphic line, vary the amount of pressure you put on the pencil as you draw. Pressing down harder will thicken your line while barely pressing down will lighten your line. This technique can not be used with a mechanical pencil. The softer the pencil lead, the easier it is to create an accent line. Accent line works best on organic and round shapes.
|
The grey square in the center of each value is the same shade in every square. Notice how it appears to lighten as it is placed in the darker values. This chart shows how values are affected by the tones that surround them.
|
Completely finished your drawing before you begin to shade. Artist often adjust their drawings to correct proportions and shapes before they have completed the project. If you begin shading and make a drawing mistake, it may not totally erase.
If you make a drawing mistake, don't erase it before making your correction. Draw the correct line then erase the mistake. There is a tendency to repeat the mistake once we have made it (muscle memory). By leaving the mistake then making the correction, we are less apt to repeat the mistake. |
Chose a Shading Technique that will help you accurately depict the object. This helps to show the textures of objects and allows you to personalize your artwork.
Students have a tendency to smudge everything. Established artist often feel this is a poor technique used by people who have not learned how to properly shade. Other artist are fine with smudging. You need to be able use all of the techniques so you don't have to rely on smudging to get a great drawing. |
An eraser should be used for more than removing mistakes. It is a great tool to help you create a more 3 dimensional look to your forms. Choose the right eraser for the affect you need to achieve. White vinyl erasers are the best general use eraser. Kneaded erasers can be formed into small points, pressed on top of tones to lighten them, and are self cleaning. Be careful with pink erasers since they sometimes leave a pink trail on your paper.
|
In order to become a better artist, it is essential that you draw from real life rather than photographs whenever possible. This will help you develop stronger observation skills, hand eye coordination, and understanding of the objects shape. You also must be careful about copyright infringement. Drawing from a copyrighted image can cause a law suit, and prevent you from showing your work in public. Copyright laws also apply to copying another artist's work. This should only be done as practice and never to complete your own finished art piece.
|