Realistic Textures

ADDING TEXTURE WITH LIGHT

When creating textures in a drawing, keep in mind that a drawing is more dynamic when something is left for the imagination—you don’t have to draw every little leaf or stone. It’s okay to lose some of the texture in shadows and bright spots of light.

Another important aspect of creating texture is the shape of the highlights. Highlights play a major role in determining whether an object is shiny or dull. Shiny objects have sharp-edged highlights, whereas dull or soft-textured objects have soft-edged, blurred highlights.

Portraying Stone I quickly outline the rock on vellum Bristol, which has a rougher finish. I start ...