Pencil Shading Technique – How to Shade a Drawing Using Pointillism
About Miranda
My work fits into two very different and unrelated categories: realism and abstract. Each style allows me to challenge different parts of my personality. Drawing realistically indulges the side of me that loves detail and is a perfectionist. It challenges me technically and I am always pushing to create more accurate drawings. The abstract works reflect my interest in colour and form. I am able to work loosely and fluidly, reacting to the painting as I go. It is sometimes a relief to shift from the tight discipline of realistic drawing to this type of work, but it can be equally relieving to go from these open-ended paintings to getting lost in the details of a drawing.
A very important part of drawing realistically is shading: the variation in value from shadows to highlights that describe the shape of something. By improving your shading, you can greatly improve the quality of your drawings. Shading isn’t difficult to learn, but it does take some practice. You can learn how to make your drawings more realistic by understanding light, controlling your pencil, and blending.
To learn more about Miranda, please take a moment to visit her websites below:
Rock Drawing Tutorial by Diane Wright
About the Artist
In 2002, I picked up my art pencil again after 20+ years. During this break, I devoted my time to my family and building a career. Even though I earned my Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the University of Northern Iowa, my career path ventured away from the fine arts.
I am currently an IT Manager at a medical auditing firm in Des Moines, IA. My children are in college and it’s now time for me to explore my arts again! I live with my wonderful husband, Les, in the small town of Mitchellville, Iowa.
- Diane Wright
To learn more about Diane and to view her work, please visit her website:
Learn to Draw People- Realistic Portrait Drawing Tutorial
So if you are passionate about learning how to draw the human body, specifically the face, then you are sure to find the following tutorial extremely helpful.
The following is a 6 part video lesson demonstrating step by step, the process of drawing a realistic portrait. It was created by the very talented portrait artist Ron Lemen.
Unfortunately, this drawing series has not been completed yet or the artist has not yet uploaded the final part. I wasn’t planning on posting this incomplete tutorial, but it is such a valuable lesson, that I just couldn’t pass it up. I hope you don’t mind. I promise to post the final part if and when it becomes available.
Grab your favorite pencils and paper and draw along. I hope you enjoy this realistic portrait drawing tutorial! Read more
Drawing Lesson – A Theory of Light and Shade
Sheri Lynn Boyer Doty CPSA -Biography 2010
Sheri Doty received a B F A degree in 1972 from the University of Utah with a painting and drawing emphasis. Having experimented with non-representational styles during her student years, Sheri preferred classic realism as thought by professor Alvin Gittons. He and the professors, under whom she studied, emphasized strong drawing and painting skills. Sheri is a faculty member of Salt Lake Community College and Peterson’s Art center where she teaches Fine Art and Design.
Sheri’s paintings have earned her awards in regional, national and international art exhibitions and invitational shows including purchase awards and permanent museum acquisitions. Sanford Corporation has used her artwork to showcase its PRISMACOLOR colored pencil product line internationally. Sheri is a charter member and signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America [C.P.S.A.].
Sheri’s artwork has been published in numerous books including The Encyclopedia of Colored Pencil Techniques by Quarto Publishing, London England;Most of The Best of Colored Pencil series by Rockport Publishers, Creative Colored Pencil Techniques by Rockport Publishers, Creative Colored Pencil Portraits byri’s art work is included is Rockport Publishers and The Best of Portrait Painting by North Light Books, Dear Sisters by Covenant Communications Inc. Sheri’s artwork is published on book covers, in newspapers, periodicals, and exhibit catalogues.
Graphite Pencil Drawing Tutorial: Female Eye by Faith Te
About Faith
Graphite Pencil, Charcoal Pencil and Pastels Artist
Hello! My name is Faith Te. When I was 16, a great desire to capture nature and the people around me started my passion for drawing. I began to look at drawing not just as a hobby but something which I wanted to do all my life.
I practiced every day and for many hours since. I taught myself to draw by experimenting with different techniques and materials and through helpful tips and advice from other artists.
Initially, charcoal and graphite pencils were the only mediums I used. When I began working in color, I used pastels, and more recently, oils. My main subjects are portraits but I also enjoy doing many other subjects including still life, landscapes and flowers, especially orchids.
Tip on Pencil Portrait Drawing – The Problem of Seeing
By Remi Engels
Symbolic preconceptions are part of a subconscious visual language that uses symbols to represent known objects. This language of symbols evolved as a mechanism to help us survive as a species. These symbols help us, for example, to instantly recognize food sources or dangerous predators.
When we observe an unknown object our subconscious mind immediately tries to form a new symbol to represent and store the object in memory. Often beginning artists will more accurately draw unknown objects than familiar ones because they are not yet married to the new symbols.
Sensational Sketches In Six Simple Steps by Sandy Sandy
Light and Dark Values
They Create Dimension, Drama, Texture and Shape
No matter what medium or technique you use to depict your subject, always try to use a full range of values. Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. You can simplify value by thinking light, medium and dark. A good drawing should have all three. A tool I use frequently in drawing and painting is a value scale. You could easily make up your own any number of ways. The first one I made out of a page from a Pantone color formula guide mounted on a piece of foam core. The second one, The Don Rankin Value and View Finder, is available through Cheap Joes’ Art Stuff. I like this one because there are holes in the card where the values are and you can hold it right over the area you’re evaluating to get a really good match.
“Value drawings are one of the artist’s best friends.” ~ Harley Brown
Homemade Value Chart
Drawing Tips – Top 20 Drawing Tips For Beginners
Learn How To Draw – 20 Drawing Tips for Beginner Artists
1 – If at all possible, always draw from life and not photographs.
2 – When drawing, less is sometimes better. Do not attempt to draw every line and detail that you see or you will give your viewer too much information to absorb.
3 – Do not try and get all of the information in your drawing completed at one sitting. Drawing is a process. Layout the general idea of your drawing and then slowly add in your details.
4 – Do not be overly judgmental about your drawing before it is completed. This may cause you to become discouraged and give up.
Drawing Tip – Learn To Draw Before You Paint
Drawing is a wonderful art form all in itself, but it is also a great training tool for painting. Once you understand and learn how to draw well, you are then free to focus your mind on the challenge of working with color.
One of the best ways to practice drawing is to take a sketch book around and simply start to sketch your surroundings. Find subjects that are appealing to you and start drawing.
Find a good book on beginner drawing and learn the fundamentals: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Introduction to Pencil Drawing Supplies & Techniques
Image via Wikipedia
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