S H A D I N G

INTRODUCTION

Shading is the process of adding value to create the illusion of form, space, and most importantly - light in a drawing. When executed correctly, shading can make a drawing appear three dimensional and create a convincing image.

SHADING TECHNIQUES FOR DRAWING

Techniques used for applying shading to an object are quite varied. Each technique produces a different texture and "feel" to the drawing. The drawing medium used may determine the shading technique that is applied in the drawing.

The most common application techniques includes:

HATCHING

Lines drawn in the same direction. By drawing lines closer together, darker values are created. Leaving more space between lines results in lighter values. For rounded objects, the lines may curve slightly around the form - following the contours of the object.

CROSS-HATCHING

Lines cross over each other. The density at which the lines cross over each other determines the value that is produced.

RENDERING

Using an eraser to remove the medium to produce lighter values. This technique is typically used in conjunction with blending.

BLENDING

Smooth gradations of value are produced either by adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the medium or by using a blending tool, such a blending stump.

RANDOM LINES

Loose applications of crossing lines. The frequency in which the lines cross over each determines the value produced.

STIPPLING

Applying countless small dots to build up darker values in a drawing. The density of the dots determines the value produced.

THE ILLUSION OF LIGHTING

It's easy to get caught up in the technique in which the material is applied and loose sight of the reason why we apply shading in the first place.

Light is how we see, after all, and shading informs us of the light within a scene. We understand the light within the scene through the use of value and contrast.

VALUE

Is the darkness or lightness of a colour. Light values are called tints and dark values are called shades.

CONTRAST

Is produced when any difference between elements such as texture, color, size, or value occurs. It can be subtle or extreme.

When light hits the subject, it produces a range of contrasting values. The intensity of the light determines the contrast of values. Generally, the stronger the light - the higher the contrast.

Values are arranged on the subject according to the location and intensity of the light source (or sources). To simplify the manner in which light behaves on a subject and surrounding objects, we'll look at what happens with just one light source on a smooth surface.

The locations of each area of value on the subject tell the viewer about the location of light and how the light behaves on the subject. The behaviour of light (or how it is reflected) on the subject informs us about the texture and form of the subject.

T H E A N A T O M Y O F S H A D I N G

HIGH LIGHTS

The highlight is the location on the subject where the reflection of light is most intense. Highlights are typically indicated by a very light value of the color or in some cases - white.

MID TONE

Mid tones are areas on the subject where some light is hitting, but in a manner that is less intense than the highlight. In many cases, the mid tone is the actual color (local color) or value of the subject.

CORE SHADOW

The core shadow is the area on the subject where light is prevented from hitting, producing an area of shadow. Core shadows are typically darker values of the local color.

CAST SHADOW

Cast shadows are locations of darker value that result on surrounding objects or surfaces. Light is blocked from reaching these areas completely because another object is reflecting much of the light away.

Some light is reflected back off of surrounding objects and surfaces. This light bounces back onto objects producing an area of lighter value.

ACTIVITY: Let's give a try!

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