ImagineFX - Issue 179

Core Skills Drawing techniques

2

Creating different types of shading
Every artist will find the shading method that works best for them and I tend to use a few while drawing. I primarily work with circling, but
I’ve experimented with all of these methods and more to help me create my best results. Each method produces a distinct result and depending
on what type of art you want to create, you’ll want to find which is best for you! Hatching and stippling often create an underlying presence of
texture and roughness. Circling and using a blending stump creates clean, gradual smoothness.

3

Get to know your values when shading
Take the time to understand how lighting works and the values it creates to shade properly. Do studies, find references and resources that
provide this insight, and then apply that knowledge in your practice pieces. There’s a range of value to work with, not just dark and light.

The simple sphere example shows a

clear and easy-to-understand

separation of values from a singular

light source and the shadows it creates.

Understanding how lighting works

will drastically influence your shading

execution and consistency in your work.

Hatching Cross-

hatching

Stippling

Half-tones

Terminator

Core shadow

Reflected light

Penumbra

Occlusion shadow Cast shadow

Scribbling Circling Finger blend

Highlight

Form light