The Seven Magic Words of Drawing Foreshortening Distorting

The Seven Magic Words of Drawing

Foreshortening • Distorting objects or parts of an object to create the illusion that one edge is actually closer to your eye.

Shading • Adding darkness to a surface that is opposite of a real or imaginary light source adds depth to your drawing. Shading is the key to a successful drawing.

Size • Generally objects drawn larger will look closer, except when overlapping. This can easily be accomplished with the use of perspective.

Overlapping • Objects drawn in front of others will make the front objects appear closer. This is a form of perspective too.

Contour Lines • Lines wrapped around the contour of an object adds volume and shape.

Density • Images drawn darker, and with more detail, will appear closer than images drawn lighter and with less detail. This adds “atmosphere” to the drawing.

Surface • Drawing textures such as wood grain, brick, and others will create interest and depth.

5 Principles of Shading • Highlights: They show light hits an object. • Shade Area: Is the place where the light can’t hit. • Shadow: Is the area on the ground that shows where the light is coming from. • Reflected Light: Is the light that bounces off things, the ground, etc. • Back Shading: Is the dark area around the highlighted side of the form. It separates the two objects, creating a background or edge for the lighter side of the form or object.