Shading adds detail to a sketch.
Shading a sketch is an important element of drawing to create a depth of field, shadowing and perspectives in artwork. You can create different effects by shading with cross-hatch or by changing the pressure you apply to the page with your pencil. If you can learn shade effectively, then you will make a big advance in your abilities as an artist. Practice and patience, however, are crucial to improving your skills.
Instructions
1. Identify which direction the light is falling on the objects in your sketch to determine where to place shadows. Then, identify areas where shading can create dimension, contours or depth. Examples include creases in clothing or the curve of a vase.
2. Shade areas of darkness to illustrate shadows by using a hatching technique. This consists of sketching a series of parallel lines, overlapping one another. Shade shadows in this way, on the opposite side of where light falls on an object.
3. Add several layers of hatching to increase darkness in particular areas, such as underneath arms or in eye sockets. Lighter shading is more suitable for highlighting cheekbones, or to show the curvature of a finger. One layer gives a light effect, whereas five or six layers produce dark grey areas.
4. Create texture on a surface by cross-hatching. First, draw a series of parallel lines (like hatching), then overlap them with parallel lines going in the opposite direction. For example, overlap horizontal and veritcal lines.
5. Create shading in your sketch by using a "stumping" technique. Tightly wrap a length of paper around the end of a pencil, then drag it across pencil hatching. The pencil will smudge to merge and blend.
6. Create a depth of field in your painting by darkening background shadows, while keeping the shading lighter for shadows in the foreground.
