How to Draw Shadows
Many new art students feel intimidated by the technique of shading. To draw shadows, though, one needs little more than a pencil and an awareness of the texture of the object that you draw. There is no right or wrong way to add shadows to a drawing. Some methods, though, remain more effective than others for suggesting the volume, shape and texture of an object. For instance, shadows drawn on round objects convey more dimension when they incorporate curved lines. Shadows on slick surfaces, like glass or water, should exhibit no lines in order to appear smooth.
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Instructions
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Examine the object that you wish to draw. Take note of its shadows. Most objects display highlights and shadows in different locations depending on their light source, so examine any sources of light that create shadows on the object. Observe the shape of your subject, including its roundness or flatness. Examine its texture to determine if it is smooth or rough.
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Sketch loose lines to mark areas of shadow. Do not make hard lines. Create light, loose pencil marks to note the shape of shadows or areas of shadows that appear more intense than those surrounding them.
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Apply shadow to the object, making the lightest layer of shadows first. For rounded objects, use curving lines that follow the shape the object's form when shading. For smooth objects, turn your pencil tip on its side and shade in light, circular motions. Avoid making lines with your pencil when shading a smooth object.
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Apply texture to your drawing by using lines and pattern. For wood or other surfaces with rough grains of texture, use repeating lines to build up shadows. Place lines closer together for dense areas of shadow and further apart for lighter spots.
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Suggest additional texture by smoothing or intensifying pencil lines. For silky or glossy surfaces, use a paintbrush to stroke over your shadows to make them smooth and even. Use hatching as a method of creating shadow by drawing numerous parallel lines beside each other. Go back over these lines at an angle to create a grid of shadows for a cross-hatching technique. This method adds texture to objects but tends to make them appear flat, so avoid it when shading round subjects.
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Add a medium value of shading to your subject. Shade over lighter areas of shadow to create darker regions. Apply pressure to your pencil and continue to smooth or texture your subject while adding a layer of darker values for increased depth.
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Add the darkest areas of shadow to your drawing. Make shadows dark by applying pressure to your pencil and working in tight strokes. If shading with your pencil tip to create lines, space lines closely together, leaving no blank spaces of the page visible.
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Stroke over the shadows on smooth objects with a paintbrush or blending stick to soften them upon completion of your drawing.
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Tips & Warnings
When shading, keep your wrist motionless. Use your elbow and shoulder to move the pencil in your hand. Drawing from the wrist can cause shadows to become rigid and curved, which will create unnatural texture in your drawing.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
