This Tonal drawing master class for beginners is in progress! I will complete it ASAP.
Sketching:
Sketching is the foundation of drawing. It’s a quick and easy way to get your ideas down on paper and work out the basic composition of your drawing. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for sketching and provide some tips and techniques for creating effective sketches. The use of values in drawing refers to the range of shades between pure black and pure white that are used to depict the various tones and hues in a drawing. Values are essential for creating depth, contrast, and dimension in a drawing. Without the use of values, a drawing may appear flat, lacking the illusion of three-dimensional space and form. When an artist uses a full range of values, from the darkest blacks to the lightest whites.
A good exercise for this is to make a grid of 9 squares in a single row. A good size to start with is 3cms x 3cms for each square. Your 1st square is left white, whilst your darkest square should be as dark as you can get it. I must stress, the bigger the range of graphite pencils you have, the better your outcome will be. You can buy black coloured pencils however I wouldn’t recommend using a black pencil for this exercise, the gloss level (sheen) might be different. Even different brands of pencils can have a varing sheen from each other. It is best to start with a ‘pencil set’ and the higher the number (HB, 2B, 4B …12B), the better!
Start shading lightly and try to keep the pressure, and the angle of your pencil the same. I recommend that you try 2 methods shading. First, go from side to side horizontally with even pressure, then do the same but in a vertical direction. If your outcome has lots of ‘lines’ in your shading, try the 2nd method. Apply your toning in tiny circles to eliminate ‘lines’. Everybody will eventually find what works best for them so don’t feel you have to do exactly as I suggest.
The idea of this exercise is to have 9 squares that have an even transition from one hue to next. This means there needs to be a ‘tonal graduation’ in value from light to dark. Each square should be equally distant from each other in value. the best way to judge your tonal seperation is to look at your tonal strip, then squint your eyes till they nearly close. If some of your squares appear to merge together, it means you need to make some changes.
*Acrylic paint tonal strip (for reference) – I will replace it when I find my pencil example!
So, as artists, we can create a sense of depth and realism that can make a drawing come to life. This is achieved by using light and shadow to create the illusion of form and dimension.
For example, by using a range of values to depict the subtle differences in light and shadow on a subject’s face, an artist can create the illusion of depth and bring the subject to life. Furthermore, values can also be used to create mood and emotion in a drawing. The use of high contrast and dramatic lighting can create a sense of tension or drama, while softer, more muted values can convey a sense of calm or peacefulness. By understanding the use of values and how they can be used to convey different emotions and moods, an artist can create a more nuanced and evocative drawing. In summary, the use of values is an essential part of drawing, and mastering this skill can help artists create more dynamic and emotionally resonant works of art.
Contour Drawing:
Contour drawing is a technique that involves drawing the outline of an object or subject without lifting your pencil from the paper. It’s a great way to practice hand-eye coordination and develop a strong sense of proportion. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for contour drawing and provide some tips and techniques for creating effective contour drawings.
Gesture Drawing:
Gesture drawing is a quick and loose drawing technique that’s used to capture the essence of a subject or scene. It’s a great way to practice capturing movement and energy in your drawings. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for gesture drawing and provide some tips and techniques for creating effective gesture drawings.
Crosshatching:
Crosshatching is a technique used to create shading and texture in a drawing. It involves drawing a series of parallel lines and then crossing them with another set of parallel lines to create a hatch pattern. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for crosshatching and provide some tips and techniques for creating effective crosshatched drawings. The technique of crosshatching involves drawing a series of lines in different directions, overlapping them to create a mesh of crisscrossing lines. By adjusting the spacing, thickness, and angle of the lines, you can create a range of tones and textures that add depth and dimension to your artwork. Crosshatching can be used to shade and define shapes, add texture to surfaces, or create a sense of movement and energy. As you draw each line, you must pay attention to the pressure you apply, as well as the spacing and direction. The lines should be evenly spaced and at a consistent angle to create a cohesive effect. By varying the density and direction of the lines, you can create a range of textures and tones that add depth and dimension to your work. Crosshatching is a versatile technique that can be used with a variety of mediums, including pencil, pen, and ink. With practice, you can use crosshatching to add depth and detail to your drawings, bringing your artwork to life with a dynamic sense of texture and dimension.
*The shading (tone) on the man is an example of hatching, I used cross-hatching & single direction hatching.
Stippling:
Stippling is a technique used to create shading and texture in a drawing. It involves creating a pattern of small dots that create the illusion of value and texture. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for stippling and provide some tips and techniques for creating effective stippled drawings.
Smudging:
Smudging is a technique used to create soft, blended shading in a drawing. It involves using a blending tool, such as a blending stump or your finger, to blend and smooth out the lines and shading in your drawing. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for smudging and provide some tips and techniques for creating effective smudged drawings.
Shading:
Shading is the technique used to create the illusion of depth and dimension in a drawing. It involves using different values of light and dark to create the illusion of light and shadow. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for shading and provide some tips and techniques for creating effective shaded drawings. When creating art, it’s essential to pay attention to the values of the colours used. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a colour, and it plays a significant role in creating depth and contrast in a drawing. By varying the values of the colours used in a drawing, an artist can create the illusion of volume and shape, giving the artwork a sense of realism and depth. To better understand the concept of value, imagine a grayscale image. A grayscale image consists of shades of grey ranging from white to black, with many tones of grey in between. Each of these shades represents a different value, with white being the lightest value and black being the darkest. In the same way, colours also have different values. For example, a light yellow has a higher value than a dark blue. In drawing, an artist can use shading techniques to create values in their artwork. Shading involves using a variety of marks and strokes to create the illusion of depth and volume. For example, hatching is a shading technique where an artist uses parallel lines to create value and texture, while cross-hatching involves layering lines at different angles to create a denser value. Understanding values is crucial to creating realistic and impactful artwork. By mastering shading techniques and paying attention to the values of colours used, an artist can bring their drawings to life and create stunning works of art that capture the imagination and emotions of the viewer.
Erasing:
Erasing is an essential part of the drawing process. It allows you to correct mistakes, refine details, and add highlights to your drawings. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for erasing and provide some tips and techniques for effectively using an eraser in your drawings.
Inking:
Inking is the process of using ink to finalize your drawing. It’s a great way to create bold, high-contrast drawings with a clean and finished look. In this section, we’ll explore the different techniques for inking and provide some tips and techniques for effectively using ink in your drawings.
