The Art of How to Draw Light and Shadow in the Human Figure
What’s more beautiful then the human body?
You tell me…
But how to draw Light and Shadow? And how to create 3 dimensionality?
The ancient tradition of drawing the human figure and the mastery of light and shadow has been essential for bestowing the grace of the human form.
But how do you achieve that you ask?
Well, first, in order to capture that elusive perfection of light and shadow one must have accuracy, but not too much! If you try too hard we will notice…
No More Perfectionism!!! Unless You Want Flat Results
Listen, in the following drawing we see a perfect example what not to do, and of just trying too hard.
Yes, it’s talented BUT to draw light and shadow we must always remember to not outline! Its one sure way to never reach realistic light and shadow. With outlining, the grace is gone, and instead we have rigidness, and we leave nothing to the imagination.
Have you ever thought about how the human eye really sees the human form or the human face?The key to a life like drawing is to draw just that… life, as it is! I don’t see an outline when I look at someone’s face.
How do you truly see a human face? Experiment.
3 Practical Points on How to Draw Shading, Light and Shadow on a Face.
Don’t Start on a White Page: Use a tinted coloured sheet of paper or start by lightly applying charcoal or conte to the page first to establish some depth. Nothing specific, simply dust some pigment down the surface of the paper. You will see it will already give you so much more to work with then the intimidating blank page.
Start Slow With a General Blueprint of Shadow and Light: Squint at your image or subject. Just see the Light and the Shadow. Roughly start to darken the area where the shadow is most present. Under the chin, the eye sockets, the side of the face away from the light source. Do this roughly, but pay attention to the shapes too.
Use a kneaded Eraser For Lighting: Now lift off the pigment where the light is most prominent. It should be easy to lift because you didn’t start to define the shadow too intensely. Its all about being gradual. Think like a painter, one layer at a time.
How to Start With Shading and Lighting, Toning the Paper
Here is a video from The School of Apelles to help you start.
Check out your local life drawing classes and try out your new techniques. Learn more about how to draw the human figure more naturally. Hope you enjoyed these few tips, until next time, keep drawing life!