shading simple geometry
...lost, the since of sight. I believe we are all artistic, and that inside each and every one of us lies a creative sole waiting for a chance to reveal itself. Step 1 In order to begin to understand shading, I believe one must use a more hands on approach. I am a firm believer that you don’t need to spend more money than is necessary to understand the reflection of light on a surface. If you have six dollars to spare, you will be able to purchase your very own art kit. This kit includes a sketchpad, and a mechanical pencil. I prefer a “Mead” sketchpad with a 50 or 60lb weight. I have chosen this weight do to its multi purpose texture. It is also most effective to purchase a Mechanical pencil with a .05 mm graphite dimension. As I stated before, these two items should only cost around six dollars and can be purchased at most shopping facilities carrying stationary. Step 2 Relax, if this is your first time dabbling in the field of art, have no doubts in your potential. Begin with simple geometry, such as a sphere. I have chosen this object due to the fact that it is mathematically three-dimensional. Its 3-D appearance makes it easier to understand shadows. Step 3 Break in your new sketchpad by drawing the outline of a circle. In order for this simple outline to come to life it needs depth. Shadows will give you the depth you desire. In order to create a shadow, one must “imagine” a light source casting its beams of upon the empty outline you have just drawn. Imagine that the light is a sun, rising from the east of the circle and just beginning to set on its west side. “If this were a real sphere, where do you think the shadows will be darker, and where will there be virtually no shadow at all?” It may help you to draw a straight line from the center of your imaginary sun, through the center of your circular outline. If this were a realistic sphere the shadows on the surface will be darkest at the point furthest away from its light source. Begin your darkest shading at that point, and least heavy the closer your shading gets to its light source. There should be virtually no shading with in your circle at the edge closest to the light. Step 4 Very few people know this technique; in fact I am the only person I know that practices it. An important tool for shading is a shading stump, (which is made from paper, rolled tightly into a stick). You will not need to purchase these tools because they come free inside your ...