Drawing: Horses

Shading Techniques

The drawing tools described on the previous page will allow you to shade skillfully and effectively, giving your subject form and texture. Shading creates the illusion of depth and form of an object through the use of variations in values—the relative lightness or darkness of a color or of black.

You can also create different textures by varying the kind of strokes, tools, drawing surfaces, and techniques you use. A pencil sharpened to a chisel point will create thick strokes, and one with a sharp point will produce narrower strokes. The side of the lead can be used for large, broad shading, and the point for fine details. Choose a softer lead and add more pressure for the dark areas, and leave lighter areas for contrast.