plate no. 7491
The lamp post
John Brack, 1955
some experience helpful
This drawing helps students understand value shading with hatching and cross-hatching techniques. Recreating this will improve line control and understanding of form through tonal variation.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, figures, and lamp post, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Define the outlines of the figures and architectural elements with a fine-tipped pen.
- step 03
Begin adding hatching to create shadows and depth, starting with the darkest areas under the figures and around the lamp post.
- step 04
Use cross-hatching to build up darker values in the background and on the figures' coats.
- step 05
Vary the density and direction of the hatching to create different textures and suggest the form of the objects.
- step 06
Pay close attention to the direction of light and how it affects the shadows on the figures and buildings.
- step 07
Add final details and refine the hatching to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Erase any visible pencil lines to complete the drawing.
color palette
primary · black
secondary · white
This artwork relies on the contrast between black ink and the white of the paper to create value and form.
techniques
- ·Hatching
- ·Cross-hatching
- ·Line weight variation
- ·Negative space
- ·Rendering form with value
common pitfalls
- →Creating overly uniform hatching, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to vary line weight, which can make the drawing look monotonous.
- →Ignoring the direction of light, which can result in inconsistent shadows.
- →Overworking the drawing, which can lead to a cluttered and confusing image.
materials
surface · Smooth drawing paper
required
- ·Sketchbook or drawing paper
- ·Pencil (HB or 2B)
- ·Fine-tipped pen (0.3mm or 0.5mm)
- ·Eraser
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·Graphite pencils (various grades)
- ·Blending stump
- ·Tracing paper
Use a pen with waterproof ink to prevent smudging.
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