Did you realise when two objects with the same color are put together, you can still make the shape of each one. The reason is how the light falls on its surface. That is the basic knowledge of photography, and painting too. Well, you can call photography, a kind of automatic painting, because what it does is to draw image from the real world to a piece of paper while in painting, you do it manually. And the various imperfections in the process of it creates the beauty of painting.

See that cube above? The left surface of the cube that receives less light appears darker even it is the same color?

Now how do you draw this? Well, just press your pencil harder for the darker side and a little bit gentle for the lighter side. Ok, lets try it out..

Don’t worry if it doesn’t look right. Painting doesn’t has to look like the real thing. Don’t ever feel bad for what you’ve created, just take an easy look and maybe you can improve on your next sketches. However bad it looks, it will be your trade mark as a painter!

Yes, I have decided to start a basic tutorial about painting. Actually I have received many invitations to conduct classes and talks session about painting. But as you know it, I’ll go blank if I talk. I do feel sad about it, and am working hard to prepare myself for a real talk. For now, this is my first step towards improving my communication skill and at the same time documenting proper learning step in painting. This post will be my Tutorial 001. All will be tagged under Tutorial for reference.You are welcome to try, there will be no age limit and no restriction of any kind.  I won’t guarantee that you will become great painter but you will have the basic knowledge, the least!

Please leave your comment if you have any question about this shading tutorial. Thank you!