Pencil Shading Techniques Tutorial

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Start with light sketching: Begin by lightly sketching the outline of your subject. Don't press too hard with the pencil, as this will help with shading later.
2. Understand light and shadow: Observe where the light hits your subject and where the shadows fall. This is key to creating realistic shading.
3. Use varied pressure: Apply lighter pressure on areas of light and heavier pressure on shadowed areas. This helps create a smooth gradient of light to dark.
4. Layer your shades: Gradually build up layers of shading using your pencils. Start with softer pencils (e.g., 2B) for lighter shades and move to harder pencils (e.g., 6B) for darker areas.
5. Blend with tools: Use a blending stump or tissue to smooth out the shading and create seamless transitions between tones.
6. Detail and highlights: Use an eraser to lift off highlights or add finer details, such as wrinkles or texture in the subject.