Pencil shading holds a major significance in the world of realistic art. It is used as an art form for representing the depth and intensity of the subject. Shading takes the drawings to an entirely new level, adding in them a realistic feel of appeal. If you have ever taken an online course on fashion designing, you will know the importance of fashion designing in the lives of fashion designers. There are some basic techniques of pencil shading. To master the art, you need to be thorough with these techniques.
There are different pencil set used for fashion illustration. Soft pencil, sketches pencil, graphite pencil and list goes on. For different types of detail work different pencil is used. You can draw realistic drawings with the help of these pencils and your practice.
Now let’s begin discussing each type of technique in details so that it helps you get started with pencil sketching.
1.Point & Flat Shading
Decide if you want to use the point of the pencil or the side of it. Shading with the pencil side will give you a softer and grainer texture whereas shading with the pencil point will render you a finer texture and increased tone. If you want a greater coverage, it is always advisable to opt for flat shading. But if control is your priority, you need to go for point shading. Try experimenting both to get a clear idea of what will best suit your requirements.
Image Source- Emmy Kalia
2.Directional Shading
Decide the direction you want to shade in, horizontal or vertical. Implementing shading in both the direction in the same picture generally shows a change in a plane that has a different impression altogether. Hence, control your direction of shading.
3.Contour Shading
Contour shading is an implementation of directional shading where you need to shade for a specific contour structure. This type of shading technique gives effects of a strong and crisp dimension in the picture. It is advisable to follow a relaxed approach, keeping the perspective in mind.
4.Irregular Shading
Unnecessary banding often spoils the look and texture of the shaded picture. To avoid this, it is advisable to keep trying different directions with your pencil at random intervals. Consider making longer and shorter strokes randomly. Do overlap wherever and whenever necessary. This will give a realistic touch to your shading and you can make some beautiful pencil drawings.
Image Source- Cowling & Wilcox
5.Circular Shading
Shading using overlapping circles is often preferred to achieve a minimised texture. For obtaining this effect start gently by working with your pencil, creating an overlapping pattern, gradually going deeper.
6.Shading concerning Perspective
Many beginners fail to make their shading direction follow the perspective. It is very critical to shade in perspective, gradually changing the angle to prevent a flattened look of your sketch.
7.Line-weight Shading
With varying line-weights, you can obtain light or dark tones in your shade. This can be achieved by applying the required amount of pressure while implementing directional shading.
Image Source- LiveAbout
It is essential for the beginners to know and understand all these techniques for avoiding the common pencil shading mistakes. By exploring all these concepts, you will see that some techniques just work wonders for certain subjects while they fall flat for others. Just keep your mind open and have a keen eye for pencil shading. You can soon master the art.
Hunar Online Courses offers a Fashion Illustration Course where you can use your creative skills and draw different types of fashion designs and much more. You can enrol in our Online Fashion Illustration Courses. It has easy video classes which are accessible every time and you can learn from anywhere. You also get 24/7 faculty support which will help you clear your doubts. This course is beginner friendly as you’ll also be given drawing tutorial.
So, what are you waiting for? Join Hunar Online’s Fashion Illustration Course and start learning to create different detail work with pencils and so much more from the best in this industry! Enrol now to start your journey towards a successful career!
