Quick TONED PAPER SHADING TIPS for BEGINNERS with Karen Campbell

In today's toned paper drawing video, we'll build on what you learned last week, and put the value scale to work drawing and shading a sphere. First we'll study the values we see on a reference photo. Then I'll show you some quick ways for drawing shadows and the highlights you see in the reference on both white and toned paper. 

If you missed last week's drawing YouTube video - you might want to check that out first, because I talk about toned paper sketchbooks, drawing supplies and more.

I've also got a FREE 5-page toned paper PDF for you to download and use as a reference while you're playing along at home. This will help you TONS with understanding the value scale, drawing shadows and drawing highlights. Plus you'll get a list of my FAV toned paper sketchbooks and drawing supplies to set yourself up for success! 

​Simply click the button below, and I'll shoot it straight over to your inbox. 

I've included a reference photo of a sphere in black and white in the Toned Paper Packet. 

Before we dive into drawing and shading a sphere on toned tan paper- I want to make sure you understand how to use the value scale to draw a sphere on white paper first. 

I added "polka dots" in my cheatsheet reference image for you to indicate where your eye should be registering value changes that you need to replicate in your drawing. 

Be sure to click over to the video​ to see this in action!

Last week I scribbled beneath each value scale dot with an example of the drawing pencil that can help you achieve each value. If you're a beginner with shading, this will come in really handy when you're ready to start drawing shadows we see in the reference image on your own paper.

And as always- when you're working with me- you don't have to use fancy supplies. You can also do this entire exercise in one #2 school pencil.

As you'll see in the video- today's shading practice is really all about me trying to make sure you understand the concept of how to look for values in a reference, and how to record what you see on your drawing. Your execution doesn't have to be perfect or even look that great -just lay down some value and do a little down and dirty practice! 

When working on white paper - you need to cover every single shade of the value scale except white in your drawing.

When you're drawing on toned tan paper (or toned grey paper), you're "responsible" for adding all the shades of the value scale EXCEPT for the mid-tones, because those shades are represented by the tone of the paper. Pretty cool, right?!

For my sphere example on toned paper I'm starting with my white china marker (also called a china pencil or grease pencil) and adding in the lightest highlights I see in my reference image, then start adding in my darkest shadows with my black china marker.  I use a little graphite to blend a bit of the midtones and use my blending stump ot help.

​(The china marker doesn't really blend, so just be prepared for that!)

If you're new to working with china markers - all you need to do to sharpen your pencil is to pull on the string and then pull off some of the excess paper wrapping. If you're interested in learning MORE about china markers  - I've got a video for you.

I love using the sides of my china markers to lay wide areas of color down, and don't mind the blunt tip. If you prefer working with something that gets to a sharper point - you might want to work in colored pencil. 

There is a constant push/pull of working the values and studying your reference photo to make sure you're depicting the values in your drawing correctly. 

If you'd like to work on drawing a sphere in more detail through a full lesson - I've got one of these in The Fun Fab Drawing Club.In this one - we draw it in pencil on white paper.

Currently enrollment for both of my clubs are closed at the moment- but you can add your name to the waitlist for the drawing club here, and mixed media club here. I'll let ya know as soon as doors open again!!

Next week on my YouTube drawing channel - we will be drawing and shading a face so you can practice these new skills in a different way! 

Need the link to that Toned Paper Packet one more time? Here ya go! Click the button below and I'll send it right to your email!

And of course don't forget to watch the video.... 

​Thanks for hanging out with me today!​

If you're in the Mixed Media Society with me, our GNOME WORKSHOP (hosted by guest artist Sarah Turner of Tenderfoot Villange and I) opens today (June 1st)!

You DO need a special code from me to enroll for free. If you haven't already received that- please email me for help so you can enjoy this club perk!!

Not in the Mixed Media Society, but still wanna make these TWO adorable gnome projects?! I GOT YOU!! 

❤️ CLICK HERE to enroll for $27 at Awesome Art School

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The podcast is called 1 Scot, 1 Not! Check us out on YouTube and here's our podcast website! ​ 

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