SHADES ™ THE PROPORTIONAL GRAYSCALE PENCIL – 3 Tools
in 1
Educator/Student
Directions for Use
Proportion and Perspective
• When drawing/painting a figure or any object as your subject, the proportions
and tonal values must be gauged from the current lighting and location from
where you are standing.
•
First, note where you are standing with relation to your subject and
your easel. Standing in the same location will keep your proportions consistent
and accurate.
SHADES
can help get you back to this relative location (more later).
•
Next take a measurement by holding your arm completely outstretched with
your pencil upright, parallel to your easel and perpendicular to the floor.
Select a key feature from the subject, such as the head in a figure. Note
the dimension on SHADES. Now transfer the measurement to your paper or canvas.
•
As you progress through the drawing, or after a break, check the measurement of
the key feature you initially measured. If it appears smaller or larger than
what you originally noted, move closer or farther back until it matches. Your
proportions will remain consistent and correct.
Tonal Value
• The SHADES system uses several
grayscale systems. This kit may contain either the grayscale for a 5 Value,
11 Value or both. The 5 value system is used to simplify the initial
rough-in of the subject and the main values. The 11 value system is to
refine the initial rough-in and allow for more detail in the value
transitions. The value scale is flipped so opposite scales are adjacent. This
also maintains the value scale on the pencil even while it is sharpened.
• The
5 value system progresses from white to black with three increments
in-between - 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% is the darkest value. It relates to how much
graphite/charcoal must be added to the white paper. This system helps the
student to establish the lightest, darkest and middle values quickly.
• The
11 value system progresses from the white to black base values at each end
of the tonal scale and then in increments of 10% from the base. The scale greatly
refines the measurement of more subtle tonal changes in the subject, from
figure and still life to landscapes.
• Hold
the brush scale over the area on the subject to be measured from the
vantage point where you are standing. Squint down, to simplify the
tonal values, and move SHADES back and forth or up and down until
you narrow it down to the closest value reference you find to match. Transfer
the value by comparing it to the graphite/charcoal you have already laid into
the drawing and what you have determined from the tonal scale.
•
Continue the process to completion, as required to maintain the correct
proportions and tonal values under the existing lighting.
© 2015 Innovative Artist Supplies, LLC
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