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Start Art 5 14 RT START www.painters-online.co.uk Create texture with shadow 1 Draw a blind contour outline of a simple subject, such as these peanuts 2 Add darks and lights to the contour shapes 3 To define the texture, identify the texture pattern and add darker values to areas that indent or recede to project the ridged patterns. Use a sharpened eraser stick or a kneaded eraser to soften the edges of the dark texture and maintain highlights Sometimes the main distinguishing feature between objects is their textures. Texture appears as you add value to define light and shadow; it’s all about contrasts between lights and darks. As you increase the shadows and highlights, the texture and details of your subject will naturally emerge. Always shade in the basic shape of the image before adding texture detail. Concentrate on the shadows, shading from dark to light. Then establish the character of the surface texture of each image by looking for the darks. If you lose the highlights in the midst of adding and blending values, you can always recapture them with a kneaded eraser. Focus on your subject to capture subtle differences important to define its form. Texture distinguishes one shape from another Many times, basic shapes become different objects mainly because of the texture of their surfaces. The apple and the bear face share the basic shape of the circle; the textures of their surfaces define them. Notice how the value of light and shadow in each drawing creates the illusion of volume; form is maintained as texture is added with more values USE VALUE TO CREATE TEXTURE Blend with a brush A 1 ⁄ 4 inch (6mm) brush provides a consistent tip for a controlled blend in long narrow areas (use flowing strokes). Turned sideways, the brush produces either a smooth gradation or a textured effect. You can also modify or soften the edges of strokes with brushes Match these strokes (left) to the tree (right) Side strokes blend the tree’s shading and contouring. Wide strokes blend the base values of the tree with the dark texture of the bark applied on top. The circular brushstroke naturally forms the protruding knotholes in the tree trunk. Some of the strokes on the tree have been identified for you. Can you find any more? Draw now! 1 Create a drawing of a cylinder using a three-step value scale, and blending the values with a brush. 2 Create a value study of leaves. Soften edges and create smooth gradations with a selection of the household blending tools listed. 3 Use a pencil and a cloth or chamois to make a light-value, blended, even base. Add darker values to that blended graphite to create a textured surface such as bricks, hair or tree bark.