The Artist's Complete Book of Drawing Projects Step-by-Step

TWO PEARS

1

Varieties of fruit are good subjects with which to start your drawing practice as they are easily obtainable and the forms are relatively simple. First draw a general outline of the pears, without being too definite. Note that the shapes are not identical as the angle of view is different.

2

Then firm up the shape of the pears, making the outline more precise. Erase any stray marks from your initial sketch. Put in an indication of where the light and shade fall.

3

Now put in the main area of tone, or shading. This should be uniform in tone, the very lightest that you can make. Leave only the very brightest areas of light unmarked.

4

At this stage put in the darkest areas of tone, not forgetting the cast shadows on the surface that the pears are on.

5

Finally, build up the intermediate tones that allow the darks and lights to gently fade into each other. Where there is a sharp outline, strengthen your pencil mark.

A JUG

1

Loosely draw the main rounded shape, putting in a central line to help you balance the sides. Concentrate on getting the ellipse at the top and bottom right – this is the hardest bit.

2

The next step is to define more accurately the main outline shape of the jug. Put in the handle, trying to get this outline as accurate and simple as possible. Make sure all the proportions are correct.

3

Refine the final outline, taking your time to convey the rounded, sturdy shape. Correct any line that is not true before you begin putting in the tone.

4

Put in the same tone all over the jug, except where there are highlights. This jug is seen against the light, so most of it is in shadow and the cast shadow is towards the viewer.

5

Build up the shading by increasing the darker areas such as the interior and making sure the reflections are in the correct tones, from very light to very dark. To draw your version of this jug you can follow my sketches or use a jug of your own. Try to make it look as