Last week in my Figure Drawing class, we studied how value creates depth in a drawing. We saw how using just 4 values in your drawing, you can create a sense of dimension.
Start with a quick line drawing, marking in areas of shadow.
Choose 4 values:
darkest darks,
lighter shadows,
mid-tones and
highlights.
Lay in the tones, using a light hand on the highlights -- they're easy to overdo. Step back often to see the larger effect of your shadows. Finish by blending the tones and adding finishing touches.
You can see the 4 tones I used in the top left corner of the drawing below. I used vine charcoal and white NuPastel on toned paper.
As much as I love line, I love the depth that values create.
I hope you give this process a try!
