Use value to create 3D effects in drawing.
Form is the element of art that describes the 3D qualities of an artwork. In drawing, you can create the illusion of form by using another element of art called value. Value is a range of darkness to light or, simply put, shading. Three-dimensional objects reflect light in the areas where they are closest to us. They recede into shadows in the parts that move away from us. Before beginning the steps below, take some time to look at things you like to draw. Notice in the mirror the shadows under your nose, the highlights on your cheeks. Notice how the tree trunk is darker on the edges and lighter in the middle where its roundness comes toward you.
Instructions
1. Sketch your entire drawing very lightly. Give yourself a clear map of where objects are on the page, but keep in mind that it is only a map. This sketching shows you the shape of your artwork just like a real map shows you the shape of a place. Determine the position of the light source. You do not have to draw your light source, just know its location. The parts of objects in your drawing that protrude the most and are closest to your light source will be the lightest. The parts that are farthest from your light source or from you as a viewer will be darkest.
2. Shade gently in the areas that will have medium shading. You always can darken them more later on. Working in layers gives you the most versatility and reduces the need for erasing. Consider texture as you add your shading. Objects far away will have less visible texture than those close up.
3. Darken the areas of deepest shadow. Continue to work with the object's texture where shadows are not so dark that they obscure surface detail.
4. Go back with a gum eraser and lift the graphite to create highlights or leave highlight areas untouched. You also can fill in gray tones and dark shading around the highlighted areas, making them stand out even more.
