How To Draw Values
And Perspective
Mastering Depth with Values: A Drawing Tutorial for a Stunning Mountain Range
How To Draw Values and Perspective is one of the most rewarding aspects of landscape drawing. Creating depth, and learning to use values effectively is when the magic happens. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to draw a 4-mountain mountain range, using values to give your artwork breathtaking depth and realism. Let’s get started!
What Are Values in Drawing?
In drawing, “value” refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or shade. Mastering values allows you to create depth, form, and contrast in your artwork. To get started, you’ll need to create a value chart, a fundamental tool that helps artists understand and apply a full range of tones.
Creating a Value Chart
A value chart is a series of boxes or steps, transitioning from the lightest tone (white) to the darkest tone (black). To make your own, draw a horizontal row of 5-10 squares. Use your pencil to shade each square progressively darker. This exercise trains your eye to distinguish subtle variations in tone, a skill essential for creating depth.
Tools You’ll Need:
- A set of drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B)
- An eraser (preferably a kneaded eraser)
- Smooth drawing paper
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide:
- First Steps: I started with the furthest mountain using my hardest pencil. Each successive mountain range was completed with softer and darker pencils.
- Creating Depth: In each mountain range I used strokes going in different directions that helped create more depth. In the front mountain range I used cross hatching to make the darkest values. Cross hatching is drawing in one direction and then going back in a different direction.
- Final Touches: Step back and assess the overall composition. Adjust any areas where the value transitions feel abrupt. The goal is to achieve a smooth gradient of depth, drawing the viewer’s eye into the scene.
Practice Tips:
- Create multiple value charts to build muscle memory and familiarity with your pencil set.
- Experiment with different light sources to see how shadows and highlights shift.
- Take breaks while shading to avoid overworking any area.
By mastering values, you’ll unlock the secret to creating stunning, realistic landscapes. With practice, your mountain ranges will no longer look flat, but instead rise and fall with breathtaking depth and drama.
Tools You May Need:
Drawing pencil set https://shrsl.com/4kagk
Basic Beginners Sketching Set https://shrsl.com/4kagn
Sketch pad options https://shrsl.com/4kagq
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