Shadows

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!
Last week, you saw what difference it makes when you add shadows to our drawings. They add weight, a sense of depth, and context.
The drop shadow is at its best when there is one light source. And to understand the importance of lights and shadows, you need to see it.
So I recommend you to get a desk lamp or a flashlight and an object and then move the light source around your subject, so you can really see what the effect is of the light source from different angles and different distances too.
When the light source is above the object, the drop shadow is kind of straight below it.
When the light source is at the left, the shadow falls on the other side of the object.
If the light is lower, the drop shadow becomes taller. When it comes from the back, the shadow can be very interesting, but the object you’re trying to draw might be mostly shaded on the side you’re looking at.
Drop shadows can add context to the subject or subjects in your drawings.
There’s a lot of information in there.
Here's your assignment for this week:
Get a desk lamp or a flashlight. Pick your object to draw. Play around with your light source and your subject, to discover the effects of light and shadow for your art.
1. Draw it with the light from straight above
2. Draw it from the light from the side
3. Draw it with the light very low, for a long shadow
4. Bonus drawing: draw your subject while lit from the back.
Have fun!
If you'd like to learn from me in person: check out my workshop schedule here: www.koosjekoene.com/workshops
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My book "life is better when you draw it" is now available for you to purchase online.
It's an illustrated book for people who love drawing and need inspiration. It's about how drawing can make you happy and mindful. In the book, I share ways to embrace the daily sketchbook habit, tips, and lots of drawings from my sketchbooks.
I am so happy to finally share it with you!
If you want a copy - and I know you do - go here: www.koosjekoene.com/book
Materials used in this video:
-Printing Paper
-Caran d'Ache Luminance Colored Pencil
Copyrights Koosje Koene
www.koosjekoene.com
/ koosjekoene

[@fuzzydragons]

changing the light source or having more then one is good practice and comes in handy when drawing from life as there is not always one light source to deal with

[@arioctober]

Just including shadows was a really simple way I "leveled up" my art. This is a really good video that will help many beginner artists!!!

[@KoosjeKoene]

Awesome, thank you!

[@daltrainer]

I never thought how very different a low light source would be to the resulting shadow!!! Thanks for another eye-opener!

[@KoosjeKoene]

You are so welcome!

[@pikolowet]

Love it! Have you maybe considered showing us a bit more about the book? Just taking us through a few pages, giving some stories behind it? It looks absolutely lovely in that quick fil-through and even just from art standpoint its worthy to get. As a western-european, I need a moment to get enough money for it, though

[@katekelner184]

Wow; so helpful! I struggle with shadows and this was great! I’m going to do the light test! By the way; I have your book and it is wonderful! Thankyou Thankyou. Kate

[@KoosjeKoene]

yay!

[@nocturnus009]

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” -Lao Tzu This is the 4th time I’ve shared this quote since Sunday. The CBS affiliate in Baltimore (WJZ) personality Marty Bass shared what he called the Norm Vogel principle for capturing the best moments on instinct: if you give something a 2nd or even & 3rd look, IT’S WORTH HITTING RECORD (Mr Vogel was the station Videographer) it applies to trusting your instincts in sharing a useful quote & capturing your experiences in your sketchbook.

[@KoosjeKoene]

That's a great quote.

[@katsmith8263]

👍👍👍