Rule 9 | Set five shades

Lesson 6 | Dark Humor with Honoré Daumier

40 min.

The dark is not the same as the shades of grey! Here we deal with the shades of light and darkness in the meaning of color tones. Shades and color tones can be used to convey mood and emotion in a sketch.

Step 1 | Browse the Metropolitan Museums online Collection

A video introduction and some descriptions of the most needed materials

Dive into the vast image repository from the Met Museum New York online Collection. Use search terms like Drawings with pencil and find inspiration.

Do this research with a timebudget of 20 minutes to really dive into the world of drawings.

20 min. |

Shades are a sketcher’s best friend because they bring the drawing to life

Shades and color tones are important in sketches because they help to create depth, dimension, and visual interest in the drawing. By adding varying shades and tones to different areas of the sketch, a sketcher can create the illusion of light and shadow, which can make the drawing appear more realistic and three-dimensional.

Shades and color tones can also be used to convey mood and emotion in a sketch. Dark, muted tones can create a sense of drama or melancholy, while bright, vibrant colors can evoke feelings of happiness or excitement.

In addition, shades and color tones can be used to highlight certain areas of the sketch or to create a focal point. By using contrasting colors or shading techniques, an artist can draw the viewer’s eye to a specific part of the drawing, such as a character’s face or a particular object.

Overall, shades and color tones are important tools for artists to use in their sketches, as they can help to bring the drawing to life and communicate a wide range of emotions and ideas.