how to shade faces for beginners | step by step tutorial

In this video, I will show a step-by-step process of how to shade by understanding the basic principles of light, understanding the form of the face and how to shade using a pencil. This is a beginner friendly drawing tutorials of how to shade the face in different angles and with different drawing demonstrations. The drawing tips and techniques in this video can also be applied to different art supplies like markers, watercolours and acrylic paints. I also touch on how to shade with soft lighting and harsh lighting. Enjoy!
- - - timestamps - - -
0:00 intro
1:31 basic ideas of light
3:08 understand form
4:18 shading tips
5:31 demonstration
9:18 soft vs hard light
- - - support - - -
website • www.zyrabanez.com
patreon • / zyrabanez
society6 • society6.com/zyrabanez
shop • zyrabanez.storenvy.com/
For commissions, contact me at [e-mail]
- - - social media - - -
facebook • zyrabanez
instagram • / zyra.banez
tiktok • / zyra.banez
twitter • / zyrabanez
tumblr • / zyrabanez
- - - materials - - -
(all links below are Amazon Affiliate links)
- Lyra Rembrant polycolor pencil • amzn.to/3wAHmSy
- - - resources - - -
- Shading & Values • www.skillshare.com/classes/Sh...
- Shading Fundamentals • www.skillshare.com/classes/Sh...
- Techniques for Pencil Portraits • www.skillshare.com/classes/St...
- How to shade with pencil for beginners • • How to Shade with PENC...
- How to shade a drawing • • How to Shade a Drawing
This video was sponsored by Skillshare.
Promo in the video is no longer valid.

The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/zyrabaez09201 this video is finally here! this took much longer than expected to make but I hope you like it 😃

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

🤦‍♀️😂 I'm late

[@siyananatalia9535]

​@@SUGAR_XYLER I'm later 😅🤣

[@tryingmybest9891]

You're literally the only youtuber I watched that explained shading in such a detailed but easy to understand manner, and I cannot thank you enough!!

I’m glad the explanation was easy to understand! 🥰

[@aprodithegraceboncolmo4056]

I love how you explain it more precisely and understandable for beginners like us. Keep it up 💜

thank you so much!! 😄

[@aleeiii9794]

Army? 😂💜

[@aprodithegraceboncolmo4056]

@@aleeiii9794 AHHAHHA yeah, I'm trying to draw them but jimin's face is so hardddd.

[@isabellapalmer1146]

@@aleeiii9794 I literally just said that in my head😂💜

[@laurisam.5513]

All I can say is wow. Finally a video that actually shows how to shade and where to shade. Great video!

[@555lia]

The way you explain is soo relaxing thank you for annother amazing tutorial ❤️

thank you so muchhh 💕✨

[@fatenbouali4364]

You made the best drawing totarial on youtube honestly , because u explain in a reallyy precise wayy , keep it up

[@Nan_Yelo]

Finally a shading tutorial that actually helps me understand how this works. Thank you so much!

[@TheArthXtreme]

How long I have waited for this moment. I always draw portraits that I consider "too clean" so when I found and watched this video, I realised it's because I don't shade. This helped soooo much! I can't thank you enough!

No worries! Shading definitely adds that oomph to a drawing ☺️

[@ellesmith8]

haven’t seen anyone explain and demonstrate different forms of lighting this well! thanks so much for the amazing tips 💓

Thank you so much!! 🥰

[@yaninesalvatierra5324]

How much emotion it gives me to see another tutorial of yours, you explain super well and make yourself understood, above all you give us good tips to improve the complex package, greetings from Bolivia

thank you so much! that means a lot 💕

[@izzy8949]

Aaaaah THANK YOU!!!!! I’ve been trying to find a tutorial about shading so thank you sooooo much for taking the time to show and explain in a simple way to us beginners. Best wishes.

[@yeetusdeletus2563]

You're one of the best art teachers in youtube!! Thank you!!

[@lindatelevangelista7743]

love the format and editing❤️

thank you! ☺️

[@pan2635]

you are one of the best art tutors here on yt for real! your explanations are so clear and very well explained. i enjoy learning when i'm watching u!! thank you thank you

[@Gamingmonkey254]

I was waiting for this!

[@TheDaantje1234]

As a beginner with shading, thank you very much! Finally a video that makes it a bit easier to understand.

[@zoex7993]

You are an actual genius. I thought i was incapable of ever learning how to do shading because it just seems so hard and overwhelming, but the way you are breaking it down is giving me hope. Thank you for making these videos!!

AHH thank you so much (this reply is 7 months too late as I’ve been on hiatus 😅) your comment really means a lot to me 🥰

[@uhiko]

We need more tutorials from u your simplified explanations have helped me figure out a lot of absurd ideas. Thank you 💕

[@brookemorris1173]

I love how you don't just go off topic keep it up gurl

[@daffo8551]

i can not believe i have never heard of layering in shading and tysm!

[@adayahbatyah9865]

I love your how to videos!!! So helpful for my natural drawing style 😊😊💚💚

[@innocentozurumba7286]

Zyra Bañez Hi I'm new to seeing your channel and I just wanted to say how beautiful your art is. From every sketch to every finished piece of artwork, it looks luminous and profound with great extent. Keep up the good work!

[@nathaniel326]

YAYY FINALLY A LONGER ONE ANDD A MUCH NEEDED TUTORIAL well atleast for mee ty!!

[@Y.u.21]

I cannot explain how much I love your video’s and your art style

[@fatimaahmad3681]

your tutorials are REALLY good!!

[@susansacco7583]

Thanks so much! This was really helpful. 💕

[@swag4life387]

This is what i've been looking for. Thank u so much

[@Nxyphoenix]

Superb tutorials ! Descriptions of reasoning and detailed commentary helps tremendously. This helps to train one to think of the “why”, at the same time while practicing techniques and when drawing from life or pictures references . Like thinking more observantly artistically , not just drawing what we see without understanding . With time it can be grasped with much trial and error , but this makes this so much easier and less time for discouragement when stuck . Thanks so much !

[@barbieblinging4851]

this was veryy needed so thank you

[@oinkpersonpeeps1692]

Thank you for this, it really helped me more than any other tutorials

aw thank you so much :)

[@anmr_snqpl]

thank you so much for this, big help!❣️

[@makalu877]

Very well done, thank you!

[@lyndakowalke8858]

Zyra, thank you so much for explaining the dreaded how and where to shade! That was so increadably helpful, its so difficult as a newbie to have the eye for such things at first. There are so much to watch our for. 🙏💕

You’re very welcome! I also very much dreaded shading and didn’t learn it until after years of drawing, but boy does it add that oomph to a drawing! Wishing you all the best with your drawing journey 🥰

[@bv3221]

Thank you so much this was very helpful! I love your videos ❤️

I'm glad it helped :D

[@Nanna._.Corneliussen]

I have been looking for a video like this for way to long and finally found it! You explained it in detail but stil understandable, and you also showed different light scources and the differences between them! This deffinetly helped me understand light and shadows better! Thank youu!!

Ahh thank you so much! 🥰🥰🥰

[@joelcagedesign]

This was really helpful thanks so much!

[@sanjanashenoy2988]

Heyy Zyra thank you for uploading this video this was much needed for me ... u also explain it sooo clearly and u made it simpler for me

thank you! I'm glad your found it simple :D

[@ketlins3970]

this is so helpful!! thank you 🥺

thank you ☺️

[@tanushree4668]

I Was waiting for this video!! Thank u so much Love your videos 😍😍😍💜💜💜

haha it’s hereeee finally 🥳 thank you so much ✨

[@renatopinoart]

Very helpful and perfectly explained! Thank you so much

Thank you ☺️

[@cerinsaji4069]

I just realized that holding the pencil the usual way creates a lined texture but holding it a little flat or almost parallel to the surface gives a softer/blurred texture which is far more realistic. Great tutorial btw!

[@avigail5356]

Thank you, you are a great teacher

[@pratyushadutta5106]

Love your videos

[@doodleyournoodles675]

Thank you so much for this video. I really needed it. Super helpful.❤👍

you're welcome! I'm glad it helped :D

[@seeyah3027]

I love Your tutorials! Please make more!!

aw thank you so much :D :D

[@MazaArts]

great video! love how you draw faces 👌👌👌

[@TheHistoryTellers]

You are an AMAZING MIRACLE !

[@Iopid]

This was so helpful, thank you! I’m good at everything abt drawing the face except for shading, I never really bothered looking into how to properly shade but now I realise how much it impacts my drawing

It definitely gives our drawings that ✨oomph✨

[@cristalmarja5732]

thank you so so so much

[@jeanhanson8744]

This was a great video. I like how you explained shading in an easy to understand way. Thank you so much 🤗

Thank you so much! I’m happy it came across as easy to understand 🥰

[@eodum9826]

This help me a lot!! thankss

[@chomskyjunior]

best videos ever

[@iriVino]

This is just what I need to continue on my drawing journey. Thanks!

Yay! Best of luck with your drawing journey 🙌

[@AnnaAttemptsArt]

This is very helpful, thank you!

[@cli_chix9536]

🔥🔥 this awesome

[@geraldholland8731]

What a fantastic video. Thank you so much

[@pedroalvarenga9996]

Period

[@1kkkbaby147]

you’re so good at explaining

thank you so much :)

[@daffo8551]

@ your helping me sooo much :)

[@nancyganjoosingh]

Such a wonderful video….thanks for sharing this tutorial …

[@Roma-co3go]

thank you i feel like you r a great teacher🌺🧡

aw thank you so much :)

[@iamhodas4616]

I am in love with your tutorials

aw thank you so much ☺️☺️

[@iamhodas4616]

@ OMG I don't believe you reply cuz u r such a great inspiration for me❤️❤️❤️

[@boba_nuggie9431]

Yay! you uploaded! i love yours videos there amazing :)

thank you so much :)

[@boba_nuggie9431]

@ hehehe np

[@neonranger1192]

This is really a great tutorial. So easy to understand. Thank you ma'am 😇😇😇

Thank you! ☺️

[@baljeetdham]

Thank you for nice tutorial. It’s really helps

Thank you so much 🥰

[@user-wi1fx5tg6b]

I love your videos so much, full of information and guidance. I don't think i still need to go to college 😂😂💜💜💜

[@vitoriachagas6586]

That's the only tutorial that made me really understand how to shade a face effectivelly, thank you so much!

No worries! I’m glad it could help ☺️

[@jennaqaddoumi3953]

thank you so much, you are an excellent teacher

omg thank you!! 😳☺️

[@sienaroseganaden6151]

Another new skill to learn again❤

yay! we love learning new skills 👏

[@rumaishaqadeer1457]

Your channel is one of the best I have ever came across...the way you explain is outstanding...no one would put so much efforts into their videos as you do..... and also with the help of your videos I made one of the perfect sketch I can ...

thank you so much!! that really means a lot and I'm glad you were able to create a sketch you're proud of! :D

[@cheesecracker9140]

This is very helpful thank you 👌👌

thank you! I’m glad it’s helpful! ☺️

[@Heavydirtysouls]

Thanks

[@WoolandFlax]

Wow this was great. Subscribed!

Thank you! ☺️☺️

[@yuggauchan4838]

Thank you for the information and can you also do the updated version of your fashion figure video or how to paint colours on face, I would love to learn it from you!❤💫

no worries :) the fashion figure video is updated and I will be making a how to colour the face with watercolours soon! :)

[@nancyrugerio389]

You're amazing. I love your videos.

aw thank you :D

[@malakmohamed7921]

Thank you soooooo much this video help my to improve.♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@aliyahhh2300]

thank youuu

[@thuglesh5961]

I like the way you explain🙂❤️

thank you :D

[@fatherbewithme]

This tutorial is great for those of us who haven't drawn things in a long while & so now we're rusty

[@sobharanipepala3113]

Waited soooooooo long . next vedio painting face with watercolours

[@raeking6380]

Ur the bestttt

[@inkynfrost3183]

Hi, I love that you use a specific, beautiful personal color palette which makes your art recognizable. Could you do a tutorial or Skillshare class on how you chose this, and how we could develop our own? Your portraits are amazing and unique.

thank you so much! I'll add the tutorial request to the list :D

[@maunamars968]

Thank you

No, thank YOU! ☺️

[@marwaassia1830]

thanks

[@nithinc496]

I love ur tutorials....I used this video as a refresh lesson for drawing....is there any tips for drawing faces with lighting from the front?

[@tiaracollins8318]

This really help me along with ur other videos about drawing the face I'm 12 and really interested in drawing portraits ur videos are showing me what to focuse on and what rules to follow this really help me thx for this video❤

I’m glad this video was helpful! Wishing you all the best with your art journey ❤️✨

[@Cookie-oe4js]

I had to rewatch the intro becaus i olny paid attention to the dolphins XD great tutorial as always

haha it was the only figurine in my house 😆 and thank you!

[@mauricioquintero4657]

Thank you thank you thank you.

you're very welcome! I hope it helped :D

[@shreyanshdas9611]

I will be waiting for colouring of face

[@cayabyabjossap.2149]

Please do more tutorials for details of eyes, nose and mouth. This is very helpful thank you

[@vanessag1427]

Yes! I think it would be great to have tutorials focused on smaller details as well -- how to perfect nose details, eye details, years, mouth, etc. Thank you as well :)

[@emalinu]

@@vanessag1427 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJfPaYFrpbV0jLc

[@popcorn5968]

I'm subbing. I want to learn your style. I like how you draw faces. Hopefully, one day i could mske stleast one issue of my comic using your style

[@gabrielaparracaicedo8565]

Do more tutorialsssssssss❤️

[@katekirk3094]

an excellent video from kate mc Dermott

[@gilleanquebrata7672]

❤️❤️❤️

[@adhamadel9475]

Pls help: what pencils do I need to use and are there special tools I need

[@amelialoucas8556]

This tutorial was very insightful, however I found have the two drawings sided by side a little tricky to follow. I think I might have had an easier time if the video was a little longer but only focused on one image at a time. Please keep sharing, I’m learning heaps :)

[@forevermachiko5665]

so glad i found you. going to check you out on instagram

[@nicolasocampo8600]

Does it matter which direction your crosshatching goes? I mean, if I am not going to use a shading/blending stump afterwards and will just rely on crosshatching for shading?

[@leahwielink8999]

Heyy I have a question what pencil do you use?

[@abinashrasaili82]

Love from nepal❤❤❤

Thank you for watching 🥰🥰

[@twoheadeddaughter]

The four dislikes are people who couldn't see because of bad lighting.

[@sophiagraceandal9840]

i have suggestion for your next tutorial, i can't paint watercolor and blend, please do a tutorial