Drawing Tutorial: Learning the Properties of Licht and Shadow

Learn essential techniques to create lifelike self-portraits by understanding light, shadow, and form

When it comes to creating realistic drawings, understanding the relationship between light and shadow is crucial. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned creator, mastering these principles will elevate your artwork, bringing depth and dimension to every piece.

In this tutorial, visual artist Gustavo Ramos shares his step-by-step approach to capturing the nuances of light and shadow through a simple sphere exercise. This foundational practice can prepare you for more complex projects like self-portraiture.

1. Start with the Basics: Understanding Light and Shadow

Before diving into your drawing, envision the light source. In Gustavo’s demonstration, the light comes from above and to the right of the sphere. This placement determines the form light (the area most exposed to light), the core shadow (the darkest area on the object itself), and the cast shadow (the shadow cast by the object onto a surface).

2. Tools of the Trade

Using graphite pencils like 2B and 2H, pastels, and a kneaded eraser, Gustavo shows how to bring a drawing to life. For blending, tools like brushes and paper towels help smooth transitions and add softness to the artwork.

3. Step-by-Step Drawing Techniques

Applying Pastel for Depth: Collect pastel dust with a paper towel and softly apply it to the sphere for a natural gradient.
Defining Shadows: Use a 2B pencil to outline the core shadow and cast shadow, ensuring they align with the imagined light source.
Creating Highlights: Lift areas with an eraser to add the brightest spots, especially where the light directly hits the sphere.
Refining Midtones: Blend pencil strokes with cross-hatching and brushes to create smooth transitions between light and shadow.

4. Why Practice the Sphere Exercise?

This exercise isn’t just about drawing a sphere—it’s about training your eye to observe the interplay of light and form. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll be better equipped to tackle self-portraits and other complex subjects.

Want to take your skills to the next level? Gustavo’s Domestika course dives deeper into these techniques, guiding you step-by-step through the process of creating realistic self-portraits in graphite and pastel.

Drawing is a journey of observation and practice. By mastering the basics of light and shadow, you’ll unlock new possibilities in your artwork. Whether you’re refining a simple sphere or crafting a detailed self-portrait, every stroke will bring you closer to creating stunning, lifelike art.

Check out Gustavo Ramos' Domestika course today and discover how to turn your artistic vision into reality!