Adding shading with colored pencils involves layering and varying pressure to create depth and dimension.
Understanding Shading Techniques
Shading isn't just about adding darker colors; it's about creating the illusion of light and shadow. Here's how you can effectively achieve this with colored pencils:
Layering for Depth
- Start Light: Begin with light, even strokes using the colored pencil. This establishes the base tone for your shaded area.
- Build Gradually: Gradually add more layers of color, increasing pressure slightly with each layer. This allows you to build up darker tones smoothly, rather than going too dark all at once.
- Color Variation: You can add different shades of the same color or even related colors to create more realistic and complex shading.
Pressure Control
- Light Pressure: Use light pressure for initial layers and lighter areas of the subject.
- Medium Pressure: Increase pressure to create medium tones, working in areas that receive less light.
- Heavy Pressure: Use heavy pressure for the darkest areas, such as shadows or where forms recede.
The Importance of Pencil Positioning
- Hold Back from the Tip: As seen in the reference, it is helpful to hold the pencil slightly back from the tip. This helps to avoid applying too much pressure initially.
Practical Steps for Shading
- Identify Light Source: Determine the direction of the light source. This dictates where shadows will fall.
- Outline Shadow Areas: Lightly sketch the areas where you will add shading.
- Apply Initial Layer: Use light pressure and the chosen color to apply an initial layer of color to the designated shadow areas.
- Layer and Build: Add more layers, gradually increasing pressure in the deepest shadow areas.
- Blend: If needed you can use a blending stump or a light pencil to smooth out the layers.
- Refine: Step back from your work to look at the overall shading. Add layers or refine existing ones as needed.
Examples
- To shade a sphere, the highlight would be where the light hits it, gradually darkening towards the edges, creating a curved shadow.
- For a cube, each face would be shaded differently, according to the light direction, adding shadow on the sides that face away from the light.
By practicing these techniques, you can learn how to add realistic and effective shading to your colored pencil drawings. Remember that the key is to layer and control pressure, and to also consider the direction of your light source.
