SHAPE AND SHADING

  In understanding the importance of value contrasts in a drawing one can easily apply accurate and interesting shading by tool application. The left tree used only one gouge for defining and shading the tree. To assist in its construction, pencil shading on the block established where light and dark values should appear.

In creating the tree tones as the enlarged insert shows, tool cuts were placed very close together where LIGHT VALUES were desired (right sided). They were placed further and further apart for DARK Values (left side)ending with no cuts at all. It's really that simple.

  Three very nice shaded and contoured areas are visible in the right cave print. Cut marks curve in relation to the contours, vary in length for longer and shorter shadows, and are concentrated in different areas for shape spacing.

  Shading is an essential shape definition and learning to control the various tools to produce the best style of marks creates successful images. Varying the placement, length, and closeness of cut marks is important for all shapes, unless only solid, flat color is desired.