Every color has a value, and those values will be expressed on three-dimensional objects as various shapes. Seeing those shapes and expressing them in your drawings and paintings will allow you to simplify and at the same time, strengthen, your work. To see these shapes, it’s helpful to begin with black and white references.

Color is just what you think of; the visible reds, oranges, yellows and variations that you see in the rainbow. Every color has a value, or tone, which is the lightness or darkness of each hue ... ... and the lights or darks of colors can be translated to heir equivalent number in a shade

One of the easiest ways to create mood and increase the drama in your drawings is to learn how to make intense, flawless blacks. Use this technique to blacken any part of the portrait, shadows, details, or even entire backgrounds. Begin by protecting the essential lines. You can do this by taping or indenting the

When tracing isn't an option, there are still ways to transfer a photo to your drawing surface, and you should learn both of them. They will save time for experienced artists and LOTS of frustration for beginners. The first method is the slide method. This will only work if you want the finished work

One of the easiest ways to polish your drawings to a professional level is to take a little extra time and protect your lines. This is going to be especially important in areas of high contrast (such as the side of the face against a dark background) ... ... places where different textures touch,