Introduction
In this tutorial, we will explore the art of shading basic 3D shapes, such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones, pyramids, and octagonal prisms. Understanding how to shade these fundamental forms is crucial for beginner artists, as they serve as the “building blocks” for drawing more intricate objects.
Please note that to ensure the accuracy of this tutorial, all examples were drawn from real-life objects. Consequently, there may be slight variations in lighting conditions due to the movement of the main light source throughout the day. This information is provided to give you context and has no impact on the tutorial itself. All objects in the examples still have one main light source coming from the top left and slightly to the front. If you were to have one of these objects in front of you under similar lighting, the light would be coming over your left shoulder.
Before we dive into the tutorial, it may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with different shading techniques and stroke types. You can refer to our tutorial on “Shading Techniques and Stroke Types” for a comprehensive understanding.
It’s important to note that different artists may prefer different shading methods. For instance, some may use simple one-directional strokes, while the approach in this tutorial emphasizes strokes that help accentuate the shape of the object.
How to Shade a Cube
Step 1: Create a Perspective Line Drawing
Begin by sketching a light line drawing of the cube, ensuring that it is in proper perspective. For a detailed explanation of perspective drawing, you can refer to our “Perspective Drawing Tutorial for Beginners.”
Step 2: Understand the Shading Principles
Before applying shading, there are a few key principles to keep in mind. Cubes generally have a light, medium, and dark side. Additionally, each side will have its own gradient, transitioning from light to dark. In the example, the top side of the cube is the lightest, while the right side is the darkest. The gradients on the left and right sides become lighter towards the bottom and darker towards the top due to the reflection of the main light source from the surface the cube sits on.
The cube will also cast a shadow directly opposite the light source. In this case, the shadow will be to the right and slightly behind the cube. As the main light source is bright and positioned high above the cube, the shadow will be well-defined and significantly darker due to the cube’s white color.
Step 3: Apply the Shading
To shade the cube, use straight crosshatch strokes. Start by making a set of strokes parallel to the perspective lines of each side. Then, apply another set of strokes at a different angle. The first set of strokes helps reinforce the cube’s shape, while the second set blends the shading for a more natural appearance.
For shading the shadow, also use a crosshatch technique. Begin by making strokes along the general direction of the shadow, then add a second layer at a slight angle to the first. Darken the shadow near the base (closest to the cube) and lighten it as it moves away. You can also make the shadow’s edges blurrier the further it is from the object.
How to Shade a Sphere
Step 1: Draw a Circle
Start the sphere drawing by simply sketching a circle.
Step 2: Understand the Shading Principles
In our basic “one light source” setup, the surface of the sphere will transition from its lightest point (top left in this example) to dark and then to light again. The second transition occurs due to the light reflecting from the surface it rests on. It’s important to note that the area created by the reflection will not be as bright as the area lit by the main light source.
The darkest area on the sphere is where its curve faces farthest away from both the main light source and the reflection.
Step 3: Apply the Shading
When shading a sphere, lightly curved crosshatch strokes are a good option as they accentuate its round shape. Apply the first set of strokes in any random direction, then add a second set at an angle to the first.
For shading the shadow, use straight crosshatch strokes. Darken the shadow near the base (right underneath the sphere) and lighten it as it moves away. You can also make the shadow’s edges blurrier as it extends from the object.
How to Shade a Cylinder
Step 1: Create a Perspective Line Drawing
Begin by drawing a perspective line drawing of the cylinder. You can refer to our “How to Draw Cylinders in Perspective Tutorial” for instructions.
Step 2: Understand the Shading Principles
Shading a cylinder is a combination of the principles we’ve explored in shading both spheres and cubes. In the described lighting setup, the cylinder will have a light top, transitioning to dark, and then to light again.
As the cylinder’s curve moves farther away from the main light source, it becomes darker. Then, it gradually gets lighter again as it turns more towards the light reflecting from the surface. The darkest area is once again the point on the curve farthest from both the main light source and the reflected light.
Step 3: Apply the Shading
For shading the cylinder, you can use curved crosshatch strokes that follow the shapes of its top and bottom curves.
Shade the cylinder’s shadow using straight crosshatch strokes. Darken the shadow near its base and lighten it as it moves away from the object. You can also make the shadow’s edges appear blurrier as they extend further from the object.
How to Shade a Pyramid
Step 1: Draw a Perspective Line Drawing
Begin by creating a perspective line drawing of the pyramid. You can refer to our tutorials on “How to Draw a Pyramid in One Point Perspective” and “How to Draw a Pyramid in Two Point Perspective” for guidance.
Step 2: Understand the Shading Principles
Shading a pyramid drawing, like the one in this example, is relatively simple as there are only two visible sides. The side facing towards the light will be lighter, while the side facing away will be darker.
Similar to the cube, each side of the pyramid will have its own light to dark transition due to the reflection of the main light source from the surface it sits on. In this lighting setup, each side will transition from a lighter bottom to a darker top.
As with the previous examples, the shadow will point directly away from the light source, which, in this case, is to the right and slightly behind the object.
Step 3: Apply the Shading
Similar to shading a cube, use two sets of straight strokes to create a crosshatch for the pyramid. Make the first set follow the perspective lines of each side, and the second set at a slight angle to them.
Darken the shadow’s base and lighten it as it moves away from the object. You can also make the shadow’s edges blurrier toward the tip.
How to Shade a Cone
Step 1: Draw a Perspective Line Drawing
Create a perspective drawing of the cone. You can refer to our “How to Draw a Cone in Perspective” tutorial for instructions.
Step 2: Understand the Shading Principles
The lighting conditions for this example are slightly different, with the main light source being slightly more in front of the cone. This positioning shifts the lightest area of the cone slightly more towards its middle, creating a gradient on its left side that transitions from light to dark. On the right side, the cone transitions from light to dark and then to light due to the reflected light.
The shadow will once again point to the right and slightly behind the object, a little more towards the back in this example.
Step 3: Apply the Shading
Shading the cone is very similar to shading a cylinder, with the main difference being that everything narrows as it goes towards the top. You can use curved crosshatch strokes to shade the cone, with the first set matching the curve of its bottom and the second set at a slight angle in relation to the first.
The shadow can be shaded with straight crosshatch strokes, darkening near the base and becoming lighter and blurrier as it moves away from the object.
How to Shade an Octagonal Prism
Step 1: Draw a Light Line Drawing
Start by sketching a light line drawing of the octagonal prism. You can first draw a rectangular prism and then “trim” its sides to achieve the octagon shape. For assistance, you can refer to our “Perspective Drawing Tutorial for Beginners.”
Step 2: Understand the Shading Principles
In the described lighting conditions, the lightest side of the octagonal prism will be on the left, while the darkest side will be on the right. The left side, facing almost directly towards the main light source, will be bright enough to not require additional shading.
Similar to previous examples, the other sides of the prism will have their own light to dark gradients. The reflection of light from the surface will make these gradients lighter towards the bottom and darker towards the top.
The shadow will be cast opposite the main light source, directly opposite the left section, to the right and behind the prism.
Step 3: Apply the Shading
As the sides of the prism are relatively narrow, you can use either one directional strokes or a crosshatch technique to shade them. In this example, the middle section is shaded with one directional strokes, while the darker right side is shaded with a crosshatch.
Shade the shadow using crosshatch strokes, with the first set following its general direction and the second set angled in relation to it.
Conclusion
Mastering the shading techniques for these basic 3D shapes serves as a solid foundation for drawing more complex objects. By learning how to properly draw and shade these forms, you will gain the skills necessary to tackle more intricate artistic endeavors.
For more tutorials on similar topics, feel free to explore our guides on “Egg Step by Step Basic Shading” and “How to Draw a Realistic Pear.”
