Proportion & shading: Drawing & Creativity Notes for CEED

Proportion & Shading – CEED Drawing & Creativity

Program: CEED
Subject: Drawing & Creativity
Topic: Proportion & Shading

Proportion	Shading
Proportion is how the parts of a figure relate to each other in size and position. Think of it as the “layout” of your drawing.	Shading is how you add light and dark values to give shape, volume, and realism. It’s the “finishing touch” that makes your shapes pop.

Why it matters:
Correct proportion ensures your drawing looks believable.
Effective shading gives depth, texture, and a three‑dimensional feel.

#	Concept	What to Watch For	Quick Tip
1	Reference grid	Use a light grid on both reference and paper; count squares to match sizes.	Always keep the grid on the drawing surface while you work.
2	Relative sizing	Measure key parts (e.g., head to body ratio, eye width to nose length).	Measure once, then keep a mental note of “rule of thumb” ratios.
3	Perspective lines	Align main vanishing points; keep foreshortening correct.	Draw the horizon line and vanishing points before sketching.
4	Scale checks	Step back frequently; compare whole figure to its parts.	Use a ruler to compare lengths: if a hand looks too long, adjust.
5	Symmetry & asymmetry	Check left/right sides; subtle asymmetries create life.	Highlight the “key point” on each side to balance.

#	Concept	How to Apply	Quick Tip
1	Value scale	0 (white) to 10 (black). Use charcoal or graphite pencils.	Draw a quick value chart before starting.
2	Light source	Decide direction; all shadows should be consistent.	Light from above tends to look natural for many subjects.
3	Shading techniques	<ul><li>Hatching (parallel lines)</li><li>Cross‑hatching (intersecting lines)</li><li>Stippling (dots)</li><li>Blending (tissue, blending stump)</li></ul>	Mix techniques for texture (e.g., rough fur vs. smooth skin).
4	Edge definition	Hard edges for strong light; soft edges for diffuse light.	Use a sharper pencil for hard edges; a softer one for soft edges.
5	Transitions	Gradual change from light to shadow; avoid abrupt jumps.	Practice a smooth gradient before committing to the final piece.

Feature	Measurement (in grid squares)	Notes
Head height	1 square	Standard head height = 1/7 of body if upright.
Shoulder width	3 squares	Shoulder span ~ 3× head‑length.
Torso length	3 squares	From waist to navel.
Leg length	4 squares	Longer than torso.
Hand width	0.5 square	Rough estimate.

Light: From left‑front; thus left side of body receives more light, right side darker.
Key light: Top left of head, upper left chest.
Shadow: Right side of face, right side of torso, back of legs.
Value chart:
- Light area: 2–3 on scale
- Midtone: 5–6
- Shadow: 8–9

Head
- Light side (left): Light hatching (value 2).
- Shadow side (right): Cross‑hatching (value 8).
- Blend neck transition with a blending stump.
Torso
- Lower left chest: Heavy cross‑hatching (value 5).
- Upper right back: Hatching (value 9).
- Blend shoulder transition with stippling.
Arms
- Left forearm: Light hatching.
- Right forearm: Dark cross‑hatching.
- Add a subtle shine on the knuckles.
Legs
- Left thigh: Light hatching.
- Right thigh: Cross‑hatching.
- Calves: Gradual shift from midtone to shadow.
Feet
- Light area: Stippling with a fine point.
- Shadow: Dense hatching.

Edge definition: Sharpen edges on the nose bridge, brow ridge.
Refinement: Erase any stray lines; add a faint smudge for shadow depth.
Check proportion: Step back, compare head-to-body ratio, adjust if necessary.

Section	What to Remember
Proportion	• Use grids & reference measurements. • Keep key ratios (head:body, shoulder:head). • Check symmetry and scale often.
Shading	• Identify light source first. • Draw a value scale and map it to your drawing. • Mix hatching, cross‑hatching, stippling