Realistic Textures

FOLLOWING FORM

In addition to creating form, light also creates the texture of an object. As the light falls across an object with a strong texture, each individual aspect of the texture will create its own light and shadow effect. But these individual value changes must remain secondary to the form shadows, or the form will be lost. For example, if you draw a very thick texture all over an object and forget to include highlights to show the object’s shape, the object will appear to be flat and without depth.

When you are drawing an object with texture, first imagine it as a smooth object with no texture at all. I like to think of the texture of the object as a sort of translucent coat, so the underlying values of the form will show through. ...