Contour shading is a drawing technique used to create the illusion of three-dimensionality and volume on a two-dimensional surface. It's achieved by drawing lines that follow the form of the object, indicating the direction of light and shadow.
Understanding Contour Shading
Contour shading doesn't rely solely on light and dark values like traditional shading. Instead, it emphasizes the shape of the object. Lines are used to define the curves and edges, showing how the surface turns and bends in space. The closer the lines are together, the darker and more shadowed the area appears; the farther apart, the lighter and more illuminated.
Steps to Contour Shading:
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Identify Light Source: Determine the direction of your light source. This will dictate where the highlights and shadows fall on your subject.
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Map Out Line Direction: Begin by drawing lines that follow the contours of your object, indicating the form's direction. As the example video shows, you would trace lines to map out the direction of the curve, as in the case of a sphere.
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Vary Line Spacing: To create value (the illusion of light and shadow), vary the spacing of your contour lines. Closely spaced lines indicate darker areas (shadows), while widely spaced lines represent lighter areas (highlights).
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Fill in the Form: Continue adding contour lines, gradually filling in the entire object. Pay attention to how the light interacts with the surface, adjusting line spacing accordingly to show the form's curves and depressions.
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Refine and Blend: Once the basic contour lines are established, you can refine them by adding more lines to smooth out transitions between light and shadow. This creates a more subtle and realistic effect.
Example: Shading a Sphere
Imagine shading a sphere. The light source is above. You would:
- Start with a large, loose circle.
- Draw closely spaced contour lines around the bottom (shadowed) portion of the sphere.
- Gradually space the lines farther apart as you move toward the top (highlighted) portion.
- The lines should follow the curve of the sphere, curving gently around to avoid straight, harsh lines.
The provided video excerpt mentions mapping out line direction first, then filling in the rest of the form with contoured lines to show value. This perfectly aligns with the steps outlined above.
