Shading Exercises
Shading is the process of creating the illusion of form on a two-dimensional surface through the use of values. Values are the degrees of lightness and darkness from white to black. Rather than getting into a technical discussion of these topics, I am going to share with you a couple of exercises I have found most helpful. You can download the free PDF exercises below. For more thorough information on values and shading, I highly recommend Successful Drawing, by Andrew Loomis, and, How to Draw What You See, by Rudy De Reyna. These books are great additions to any artist’s library.
Exercise 1: Value Scale (PDF #1)
The value scale is a system of organizing tones of gray. The one below consists of five values ranging from white to black, with various shades of gray in between. These various shades of gray help to create the illusion of depth in your drawing.
Using the side of a sharp pencil, not the point, try to match the values in the open boxes provided starting with Box #5.
Shade in Box #3.
Shade in Boxes #2 and #4.
Note: Use long, even, overlapping strokes with your pencil.
Use long, even, overlapping strokes with the side of the pencil.
Exercise 2: Shading Simple Forms (PDF #2 and PDF #3)
As I previously mentioned, one of the most helpful resources on values and shading is Successful Drawing, by Andrew Loomis. Specifically, I am referring to the section titled, Light on the Basic Forms.
Once you have completed the scale in Exercise 1, you are now ready to move on to shading simple forms, including the sphere, cylinder, cube, and cone. When shading a sphere, think of the values as occurring in bands. When shading a cylinder, think of the values as occurring in columns. Always remember, use the side of your pencil rather than the point when shading.
Note: Place a sheet of tracing paper on top of the template and use it as a guide.
PDF #2 is the completed exercise.
PDF #3 is the template that contains the sphere, cube, cylinder, and cone for you to shade.
Direct Lighting - Strong Single Light Source: Draw the Core Shadow first, then Halftones. The Cast Shadow is the darkest. Reflected Light is lighter than the Core Shadow. Halftones are lighter than shadows.
Completed exercise: I used a 4B Pencil to shade the Sphere, Cylinder Cube, and Cone.
Note: Place a sheet of tracing paper on top of the template and use it as a guide.
Famous Artist Course (1960) - Use the side of your pencil to create a wide variety effects and strokes.