Drawing Dimension: Shading Techniques
Catherine V. Holmes
Class Preview
1:27
- In-depth Instruction; over 101 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Value Scale & Pencil Pressure
15:53
Artist and instructor Catherine V. Holmes starts with pencil basics as she opens her class on adding dimension to your drawing with shading techniques. Create a value scale with your pencils and then create a five-tone drawing, using the scale you created.
Line & Cross Contour
12:16
Learn about line art and cross-contour definition, which is the best way to begin drawing a likeness of something. Once you have your lines drawn, start shading your contour lines, but remember: observation is key! Continue to reference your photo as you shade.
Light Source & Shadow
13:42
Catherine teaches you where to begin on your drawings, starting with the shape and contours and then identifying the light source. Give your object realistic depth and definition by using dark and light tones that play off each other and learn to highlight the lightest areas with your eraser.
Highlights, Blending & Shading
15:47
Start adding dimension and realism to your drawing with a blending technique that will help you seamlessly move from tone to tone without making it muddy. Watch as Catherine demonstrates gradations and highlights to create form and how to convey reflections in a drawing of an eye.
Stipple, Hatching & Crosshatching
13:28
Shading isn't just for pencils! Learn clean stippling and hatching and crosshatching techniques to create depth and form. Catherine shows you how to create a range of tones from dark to light using a pen.
Contrast & Focal Point
14:38
Every image can be enhanced with some contrast! Learn how to create it in your drawings and how establishing a focal point will help. Then compare high-contrast and low-contrast images. Learn how to manipulate contrast in different lighting conditions to your advantage.
Combining Techniques
15:01
Bring everything you've learned together into one drawing! Catherine demonstrates how to depict a background, midground and foreground and how to overlap to create depth. She reiterates the importance of gradations and reminds you that art is a process and perfection is boring!
Get step-by-step lessons for drawing dimension, and make your work pop off the page! Artist and instructor Catherine V. Holmes will start by teaching you how to create a value scale and use it on a five-tone drawing. Move on to setting yourself up for more realistic results with tips for line drawing and contour shading. Next, discover how to identify your light source and give your work definition with both dark and light tones. Enhance the realism of your drawings as you learn to blend tones cleanly, depict highlights confidently and recreate reflections beautifully. Transition to working in pen, and apply stippling, hatching and crosshatching techniques to create drawings with depth and dimension. Plus, find out how to use contrast, a focal point and backgrounds to bring dynamic depth to every piece you draw.
Catherine V. Holmes
Catherine V. Holmes is a visual artist and art instructor. Her work includes everything from album covers and commissioned murals in Florence, Italy to pieces displayed in galleries and juried shows across the U.S. She's also the author of two books: How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers and Students and How to Draw Cool Stuff: Shading, Textures and Optical Illusions. Catherine has been a professional art teacher for over 15 years. She has developed unique and highly effective teaching techniques while sharing her passion for art with students of all ages. She is heavily influenced by the interests and suggestions of her students. "To see success through the eyes of my students inspires me to be a better teacher and creator of art."
Bonus materials available after purchase