Painters Online

Start Art 5 11 www.painters-online.co.uk There are three basic shapes: circles, squares and triangles. Cylinders, domes, cones, cubes, rectangles and other three- dimensional shapes are forms of the basic shapes. Almost anything that you wish to draw can be broken down into these. Adding dimensional lines and values in relation to a light source establishes volume. Gradually changing values from light to dark indicates the progression from highlight to shadow and defines volume and dimension. Three basic shapes The square, circle and triangle are the basis for almost anything you’d wish to draw Value changes create volume A circle, a square and a triangle become a sphere, a cube and a pyramid as light and shadow are used to define volume and dimension. Graded changes in value create volume What shapes do you see? Look for the basic shapes in the bowl of vegetables and the tureen. The tomatoes are spheres. The eggplant is basically a cone, and the tureen is rather like a large cylinder. Recognising the basic shapes in everyday objects will help you draw them Draw now! 1 Draw a cube, cone or cylinder by combining basic shapes. 2 Choose three to five values from the value scales you created (see page 10). 3 Match the values in your value scale to your image to create volume. CREATE BASIC SHAPES WITH VOLUME Compare values against white Values and value changes are easier to see when they’re isolated against a white background. Punch a hole in a piece of heavy white paper. Look through the hole at each portion of your drawing subject. The value differences will be much clearer Draw now! 1 Create a value scale from white to black with eight values in between using pencils. 2 Choose a different drawing tool and create another value scale. It doesn’t matter which drawing tool you choose. The goal is to become comfortable with creating value — no matter what the medium. 3 Add detail to an old contour drawing using three to five of the values on one your value scales. ▼