How to draw light from the darkness

While drawing pencil sketches, we usually take a white paper and add values to represent different shades of darkness. But how to draw realistic pencil sketches and capture light more accurately?

To do that, we can use a white pencil and black paper. Here, when you draw with the pencil, it’ll represent light instead of darkness and the values would mean gradients of light, just opposite of what we do on white paper and black pencil.

To master the white pencil technique on black paper, start attempting simple figures like an egg or a ball. You will need black paper and a white drawing pencil. Also, keep a kneaded eraser as well as a white plastic eraser handy for removing pigments partially or completely.

1. Follow “The Rule”

Always keep this rule in mind- Go from simple, big shapes to complex and smaller details.

Start by drawing the outlines of the shape of the object (egg or ball), the cast shadow and the line of termination. These lines divide the sketch into lit and shadowed parts accurately.

This will work as a framework and would serve as the foundation as you proceed towards adding light to the sketch.

2. Understand the light source

Decide the direction of the light source in your sketch. It will look like a speck on the object and the area surrounding it would look brightly lit. It will dim out progressively as it merges with the line of termination.

You can also highlight the light speck on the object by pushing the pencil maximum on this area. Additionally, add some lighting on the platform too where your object is resting, except for the area of the cast shadow. Overall, this clear difference between light and shadow would add to its realistic component.

3. Work on the Shadows

Shadows are not always completely dark; they also contain either reflected or ambient light.

You would need to work on the core shadow part which is the darkest value on the object. The light rebounds back from the platform the object is resting on, thus, increasing the value under the core shadow.

Beneath the core shadow is the occlusion shadow which is completely devoid of the white pencil. As we move away from this point towards the edges, the cast shadow travels away from the object and its edge becomes diffused.

4. Going from simple to complex

Following the rule, as you get better in sketching simple objects on black paper, you can move further on more complex objects.

We usually use black pencil on white paper, but drawing on black paper with a white pencil helps in understanding light. It is an important skill which pencil sketch artists must know, as it lays the foundation for working with colours.

With Pencil Perceptions you’ll learn to draw or sketch simple and complex objects and capture the realistic tone of light in your sketches. Learn the laws and logic of light with the help of their extended Online Sketching course and sharpen your sketching skills.