Easy Drawing with Pencil: Galaxy Design Inspo (Reverse Value Drawing Tutorial in 8 Easy Steps!)
Easy Drawing with Pencil: Galaxy Design Inspo
Welcome back, fellow art enthusiasts! Today, I have a fantastic project that will take your drawings to another dimension – quite literally! We’ll be diving into the enchanting world of reverse value space drawings on black paper.
As an art teacher, one of the most rewarding feelings is witnessing the success of our students. But let’s admit it; engaging every student can be challenging at times. That’s where this transformative lesson comes into play. With the allure of creating captivating celestial bodies on black paper, students are instantly drawn in. The magic lies in the simplicity of drawing circles and shapes, making it accessible to all skill levels. Gone are the days of struggling to inspire or connect with your students – this lesson does it effortlessly!
For teachers who feel hesitant about certain subjects, the simplicity of this lesson is a true game-changer. You don’t need complex materials or advanced techniques to create awe-inspiring art. By guiding your students through drawing circles and mastering the interplay of values, you instill valuable skills that they can carry throughout their artistic journey. Witnessing your students’ confidence grow with each stroke is an unparalleled sense of achievement.
Let’s dive right in and explore the magical world of this unique art form! (Easy Drawing with Pencil: Galaxy Design Inspo – Reverse Value Space Drawing)
Step 1: Prepare your art materials
Before we dive into the enchanting world of reverse value space drawings, let’s make sure we have all the essential materials ready to create our masterpiece.
Black Paper
White Colored Pencil
Reference Photo: I’ve got you covered! Check out this link where I provide a selection of over 20 gridded and non-gridded reference photos to inspire your creativity. The gridded photos can be especially helpful for beginners, as they assist in maintaining proportion and accuracy! 😉
Now that we have our materials ready, it’s time to prepare for the artistry that lies ahead. Position your black paper on a flat and clean surface. Place the reference photo nearby. Make sure your white colored pencil is sharpened and ready to go.
Feeling excited? I know I am! With these essential materials and a dash of inspiration from the reference photos, we are all set to embark on our magical artistic adventure. Remember, there’s no need to be overwhelmed; this lesson is specially designed for us to enjoy and learn at our own pace.
Step 2: Startdrawing the basic shapes you see from your reference image
Start by lightly sketching a circle on the black paper to represent the outline of your sphere. This initial step sets the foundation for your drawing and provides a guide for where to apply light and shadow.
Next, visualize the direction of your light source. Imagine a single light shining onto the sphere, casting shadows and creating highlights. Typically, the brightest spot will be where the light directly hits the sphere, known as the highlight, while the areas furthest from the light source will be darker, creating shadows.
With your light source in mind, begin shading the sphere. Using your white colored pencil, apply light pressure to create the highlight, gradually increasing pressure as you move away from the highlight to darken the shadows. Pay close attention to the transitions between light and shadow, aiming for a smooth gradient to achieve a realistic appearance.
Continue building up layers of shading, adjusting the pressure of your pencil to control the intensity of the highlights and shadows. Remember to observe your reference image or the imagined light source to ensure consistency in your shading. Take your time with each stroke, focusing on creating depth and dimension in your drawing.
As you refine your drawing, periodically step back and assess your progress. This allows you to identify areas that may need adjustment and ensures that your drawing maintains a balanced and realistic appearance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and pencil pressures to achieve the desired effect.
Step 3: Measuring the space around the subject
In this step, we’re delving into the art of measuring and balancing our drawings, crucial skills to ensure our artwork captivates the viewer. Imagine sketching a sphere on black paper for lifelike realism. Careful measuring of the space around the circle we intend to draw is essential. This allows us to craft a harmonious composition that avoids disrupting the overall balance.
Begin by studying your reference photo, focusing on how the celestial object occupies space. Translate this observation onto your canvas by gently marking the space surrounding the circle intended for the celestial object. This meticulous measuring process lays the groundwork for a well-balanced composition. Next, consider the value scale to identify the lightest and darkest areas of the object. This facilitates the creation of realistic shadows and highlights, adding depth and dimension to your artwork.
Encourage students to approach measuring with curiosity and readiness to learn, reassuring them that mistakes are part of the artistic journey. With patience and attention to detail, they can achieve captivating results by meticulously measuring and balancing their drawings.
Step 4: Discovering the Lighter Values
In this step, we encounter a fascinating aspect of this art form – the play of light on the dark surface. It’s quite common for beginners to mistake the lighter values for pure black due to the contrast with dark paper. But, no worries! With careful observation and the aid of the value scale, we can differentiate the subtle shades that add depth and brilliance to our artwork.
Start by urging your students to become keen observers. Encourage them to closely study the celestial object in their reference photo, noting how light gently interacts with its surface to form areas of brightness and enchanting highlights. This practice will infuse their artwork with a sense of realism and dimension, capturing the celestial beauty.
Introduce the value scale as a reliable guide on this artistic journey. Your students might initially feel overwhelmed by interpreting it, but showcase the range of tones it offers, from the lightest white to the deepest black. Empower them to use this tool to make informed decisions, ensuring a harmonious and balanced drawing that accurately captures the interplay of light and shadow.
Working with white colored pencils on black paper demands a delicate touch. Encourage your students to approach their drawings with gentle strokes, gradually building up the lighter values. Emphasize how this delicate layering technique adds depth and realism to their celestial artwork, allowing them to achieve captivating effects reminiscent of starlight dancing on the surface.
Step 5: Patiently layering with your white pencil
This phase demands patience, but it holds the key to unlocking the mesmerizing realism of a three-dimensional celestial wonder. Although your artwork may not yet resemble a perfectly round sphere or a celestial masterpiece, rest assured that we’re laying the groundwork for something truly remarkable.
One common challenge students may encounter at this stage is impatience and unrealistic expectations. It’s natural for them to feel disheartened when their drawing doesn’t immediately match their vision. However, the patient layering process is where the magic happens – where their drawing evolves into a captivating masterpiece.
To navigate this phase successfully, it’s crucial to trust in patience. As students layer the white colored pencil strokes on the black paper canvas, they gradually build up values and create depth. This process requires time and persistence, but the results will undoubtedly be worth the effort. Encourage them to frequently refer to their reference photo, observing the subtle interplay of light and shadow on the celestial object. By paying attention to every detail and refining their strokes accordingly, they’ll inch closer to capturing the essence of a three-dimensional celestial wonder.
Step 6: Emphasize subtle differences
As students embark on this artistic endeavor, they may encounter a common challenge: Overenthusiasm and Impatience. While it’s natural to feel a rush of excitement as their celestial wonder begins to take form, it’s crucial to temper this enthusiasm with patience and attention to detail. Rushing through the process can lead to overlooking subtle nuances that are integral to capturing the essence of the celestial object.
For students, maintaining a mindful approach to their practice is paramount. Encourage them to embrace the journey of creation, recognizing that art is not solely about the end result but also the process of discovery and growth along the way. Remind them to take their time, savoring each moment of observation and execution. By cultivating patience and a willingness to delve into the intricacies of their drawing, students can elevate their artwork to new heights of realism and beauty.
As they delve into the details of their drawing, students should immerse themselves in the art of observation. Encourage them to closely study their reference photo, paying attention to the delicate interplay of light and shadow on the celestial object. Emphasize the importance of replicating these subtleties in their drawing, even if they initially seem insignificant. By continuously referring to their reference photo and honing their powers of observation, students can refine their strokes and bring their celestial creation to life with captivating authenticity.
Step 7: Constantly refer to the value scale to unlock the full spectrum of graywhen shading
As students delve deeper into portraying their celestial wonder, they may encounter a common challenge: The Urge to Simplify. Faced with the intricate task of capturing the essence of the celestial object, students might be tempted to reduce the range of gray tones, seeking a shortcut to completion. While this inclination is understandable, it’s crucial to guide students towards embracing the full spectrum of gray to truly elevate their artwork to new heights of realism and sophistication.
For art teachers, it’s essential to foster discussions around depth and complexity in art. Encourage students to explore renowned artists’ works who masterfully utilize the full range of gray to create depth and evoke emotions. Highlight the significance of subtlety in adding layers of richness to an artwork, demonstrating how intermediate tones can enhance visual appeal and narrative depth.
Students can challenge the urge to simplify by reminding themselves of the depth and realism that a full range of gray tones can bring to their artwork. Encourage them to embrace the challenge of capturing intricate shades, recognizing the opportunity to add sophistication and visual intrigue to their celestial wonder. Through experimentation with blending intermediate gray tones and observing real-world light interactions, students can infuse authenticity and depth into their drawings, ultimately creating captivating masterpieces that resonate with viewers.
Step 8: Compare with your reference image and add final touches
As students approach the final step of their celestial journey, they may encounter a common challenge: The Fear of Overworking. As they hesitate to add those last touches, fearing they might detract from the artwork’s beauty, it’s essential to guide them through this phase with confidence and intentionality.
For art teachers, fostering discussions around subtlety and restraint is crucial. By sharing insights from renowned artists who mastered the art of subtle enhancements, teachers can highlight the delicate balance between enhancing a drawing and overworking it. Encouraging guided comparisons between students’ drawings and reference photos can also provide valuable insights, helping students identify areas that need attention while appreciating the perfect balance they’ve already achieved.
For students, approaching the final touches with a gentle hand is key. By focusing on enhancing the brightest whites and adding delicate strokes where needed, students can trust their instincts and remember that sometimes, less is more. Embracing imperfections as signs of growth and learning, students can reflect on the journey they’ve undertaken to bring their celestial wonder to life, ultimately finding joy and satisfaction in the artistic process.
You can find this complete “Galaxy Design Drawing on Black Paper” lesson with reference images, slideshow, video demonstrations, practice worksheets, handouts, rubrics and more in my resource shop!
What’s included in this lesson? In this complete resource you get:
✅20 Gridded and Non-Gridded Reference Images of Galaxy
Investing in your artistic journey is an investment in yourself. This lesson is designed to empower you with knowledge, boost your confidence, and enhance your creative expression.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to refine your skills and create captivating artworks that stand out. Hop on this artistic adventure today!
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