3 Tips for Shading Light Values

Light-handedness, or the ability to draw and shade light values, is an essential skill that we use throughout the entire drawing process. It can also be one of the more challenging skills to develop! In the video below, I present three tips for shading light values, and developing light-handedness.


*Make sure to change the video settings to 1080p for the best viewing experience!



Continue developing your smooth shading skills in:
Smooth Shading in Graphite

The Smooth Shading in Graphite course at The Drawing Source, shown across a desktop and tablets, displaying lessons on value scales, sphere shading, and blending techniques.

What you'll learn in Smooth Shading in Graphite:

  • learn and practice smooth shading techniques
  • develop dexterity with your pencil so that you can shade subtle values
  • get to know the graphite pencil grades so that you can intuitively reach for the right one for your drawing scenario
  • learn to draw a value scale and smooth gradations
  • learn what causes 'scratchy,' uneven values and how to fix them!
  • discover the elements of light and shadow on form
  • learn the keys to realistic shading
  • learn how to simplify, analyze and organize values (and why this is so essential to the realism and believability of your drawings)
  • discover new blending tools (characteristics, misconceptions, and best practices)
  • create believable depth and dimension with 'edges'
  • develop your own unique shading project by the end of the course!


Access Intro to Smooth Shading in the the Atelier at The Drawing Source:

Drawing Decoded Membership Mockup

Return to the Realistic Shading Hub from Shading Light Values

Return to the Homepage from Shading Light Values