Shading with a pen in portrait drawing involves building up layers of light strokes to create depth and form. Don't start with dark lines; begin lightly and gradually increase pressure for darker areas.
Mastering Pen Shading Techniques
Creating realistic shading with a pen requires a delicate balance of technique and patience. Here's a breakdown of effective strategies:
1. Layering for Depth
- Start Light: Begin with very light, almost invisible strokes. This allows for gradual darkening and easier correction.
- Build Gradually: Add more strokes in the same direction, gradually increasing pressure to darken areas. This creates smooth transitions instead of harsh lines.
- Cross-Hatching: For deeper shadows, use cross-hatching – layering strokes in perpendicular directions. The density of the cross-hatching controls the darkness.
2. Reference Image is Key
- Observe Light and Shadow: Carefully study your reference image to understand how light falls on the face and creates shadows. This dictates where you apply lighter and darker shading.
- Match Values: Aim to match the tonal values (lightness and darkness) in your drawing to those in your reference.
3. Pen Control and Pressure
- Consistent Pressure: Maintaining consistent pressure within a shaded area is key to achieving smooth, even tones.
- Varying Pressure: Use variations in pressure to create subtle shifts in tone, defining features like cheekbones, eyes, and the nose.
4. Working from Light to Dark (as demonstrated in the video)
The provided video excerpt highlights the importance of starting with a light approach and gradually darkening the shade according to the reference image. This iterative process allows for greater control and accuracy.
Example: Shading an Eye
Imagine shading the eye socket. You would begin with light strokes to establish the basic form. Then, you would gradually darken the areas under the brow bone and the outer corner of the eye using more strokes and heavier pressure. The highlight on the eye would remain almost untouched, with minimal pen strokes.
