The Five Elements of Shading

To draw realistically, you must understand how lighting affects form. There are five elements of shading to achieve a realistic look to your object form. If any of these elements are missing your artwork will appear flat. But with correct placement of light and dark tones, you can draw just about anything.

But how can you tell how dark is dark and light is light? Using a simple five- box value scale can help you decide on depth of tone. Each tone on the scale represents one of the five elements of shading.

The Five Elements of Shading in a Sphere

Compare the Tones in the Value Scale to the Tones in the Sphere: Notice how the five elements of shading on the sphere correspond to the tones on the value scale. Look at the five elements of shading in everything you draw.

1) Cast Shadow: This is the darkest tone on your drawing. It is always opposite to the light source. In case of the sphere, it is underneath where the sphere meets the surface. This area has no light because, as the sphere protrudes, it blocks light and casts a shadow.

2) Shadow Edge: This dark gray  is not at the very edge of the object. It is opposite the light source where the sphere curves away from you.

3) Halftone: This is medium gray. It is the area of the sphere that is in neither direct light nor shadows.

4) Reflected Light: This is a light gray. Reflected light is always found along the edge of an object and separates the darkness of the shadow edge from the darkness of the cast shadow.

5) Full Light: This is the white area, where the light source is hitting the sphere at full strength.

I hope that you found  this article  useful. Please  let me know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below .  Thank you for reading.

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