Value Project 3: photo

We've learned and practiced loads of shading and drawing skills, now it's time to put our knowledge to work! Remember this is a reflection of your knowledge in a particular moment. Don't become discouraged if you don't advance as far as you want this time, you'll continuously improve as you practice your skills.

Needed: your reference photo printed out, reference photo on ipad, drawing paper, pencils, ruler

The Drawing

  • Part 1: light contour line. It's a good idea to lightly draw the contour lines of your subject matter before beginning on detail, that way you can shift things over if needed. If you can't draw lightly, use a 4H to 6H pencil.

    • Meet for an edit prior to adding detail or going dark with your pencil.

    • Make alterations as needed, edit recheck

  • Part 2: begin light application of value. You may use any pencil from 6H to HB for this stage. You don't want to go to dark too fast. For the majority of your photos, you will work on the subject matter first, leaving the background for last. BE SURE TO USE A COVER SHEET TO KEEP YOUR PAPER CLEAN! You might utilize erasers as "mark makers" for this phase as well as pencils.

    • resist the urge to go too dark too fast

    • no blending tools yet

    • edit and alter throughout

  • Part 3: lay in darker values. Once your drawing is looking accurate, it is time to start laying in the deeper values. 2B-6B pencils may be used at this stage. You might utilize erasers as "mark makers" for this phase as well as pencils.

    • no blending tools yet

    • edit and alter throughout

  • Part 4: finishing touches. Time to utilize blending tools and to get fussy with your darks and lights.

additional mini-lessons in value that may come in handy, depending on your subject matter: