To practice medium control in creating the illusion of lighting transitioning from highlight to shadow using graphite. The Image to your left is the end product you are striving for.
Later we will use this practice to create original works of art in graphite, painting, and photography.
You do not have to fit both of these exercises on one page, you may do them on two separate pages. Ie: One page with the value scales, the other with the value egg.
The transition of light to dark. This is one of the 7 art elements.
The artist's ability to be in control of their art media (the tools and mediums they are using to create their artwork).
Adding to or layering your drawing media.
Using your eraser to draw, to take away from your drawing media.
Where light hits the object or form, this is generally the only place where white paper shows through in naturalistic drawings and paintings.
Lighter grays close to the highlight
Slightly darker greys along the edges of the shadow that's on the shadow or form.
This is the darkest part of the shadow on the form or object. That does not mean that it's solid black or a 10 on the value scale, it just means it's the darkest grey on the object or form.
This is a light grey highlight at the base edge of your object or form. Light waves travel in straight lines and bounce off of surfaces, so this highlight is light bouncing off of the table or surface the object or form is sitting on and onto the base of the object. It's not usually bright white, but I tend to emphasize it by making it lighter than it really is.
This is the shadow cast by the object or form you are drawing. It usually begins dark, but there is variety in the values that make it up, though it's rare for any of them to be super light.
Time: 0-1:24
Time: 1:24 - 3:14
Time: 3:14 - 4:53
Time: 4:53-5:12
Time: 5:12 - 7:55
Time: 7:55 - 12:00
Photo Example
Shapes the highlights and shadows create
Drawn example of how these values will wrap around your form. If you draw these shapes make sure you draw the lines super lightly.
Finished Product Example
Title: 15 Sec
Sketching The Egg Contour: 1:05
Sketching The Shapes That Create Your Values: 4:44
Label You Visual Definitions: 5:23
Begin Shading Your Lighter Values: 5:23
Blending The Foundation Layer: 12:24
Example of Subtractive Drawing: 13:26
Layering Shading on top of Blended Layer: 14:54
Blending Layer #2: 24:22
Subtractive Drawing of Reflected Light: 27:24
Shading and Blending Value Scales: 20 Min (Days 1 & 2)
Value Egg: 45 Min (Days 3-5)
Are all directions being followed? Are you using the videos to create the best work you can?
Are you using critical thinking, pressure, and layering to create your value transitions?
Are the shapes that your values make up wrapping around your egg form, or lying on top of it?
Are your highlights and shadows transitioning into one another smoothly? Do your shadows look like shadows and highlights look like highlights?