Chapter 5
Line and shade
Sketching the outline of objects can lead to rather
featureless and abstract drawing. Although one may
recognise the shape of a house, its value to us as an
object is determined by issues of form, texture and
arrangement. These qualities are best represented not by
line alone, but through line and shade.
Shade gives a sense of three-dimensional reality to
two-dimensional shapes. The convention is simple:
select a direction for a source of light (often imagined) and
shade the sides of the object pointing away from the light
source, drawing the shadow cast on to the ground
and other surfaces. Your simple outline will then become
alive with form, structure and surface richness. The more
the building or object is modelled in plan or section, the
greater will be the complexity of shade and shadows.
This convention becomes a reality when you draw
on sunny days (mornings or afternoons are the best
times to take advantage of angled light), but you can
invent a source of strong light if it is not present. Ideally
choose sunlight coming over your shoulder (preferably
your left one) at an angle of 45°. This will make the dullest
power station or comprehensive school suddenly dance
off the page.
5.1
A simple line drawing is a good starting point for architectural
exploration. Here a sketch plan is used to supplement the drawn
view of Aylsham Church in Norfolk.46 Understanding architecture through drawing