Lesson: Understanding Value & Shading

Unit 3: Light, Shadow & Storytelling in Art

Lesson Summary

In this class, we explored one of the most powerful tools an artist possesses — value and shading. Artists are, in many ways, “sculptors of light.” We use light and shadow not just to make drawings appear realistic, but to make the viewer feel something.

Students studied how light, midtone, and shadow work together to give form, focus, and emotion to an image. We examined classical examples from artists such as Rembrandt (The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Self-Portrait) and Caravaggio (The Lute Player, Narcissus at the Source) to see how value transforms simple subjects into dramatic, lifelike compositions

Key Concepts Covered

• Value: How light or dark something appears.
• Highlights: Areas directly hit by light.
• Midtones: Middle gray areas that transition between light and dark.
• Core Shadow: The darkest area on the object itself.
• Cast Shadow: The shadow that falls beneath or beside the object.
• Reflected Light: Light that bounces from nearby surfaces.

We discussed how shading adds:

• Depth — makes flat drawings appear three-dimensional.
• Focus — guides the viewer’s eye through composition.
• Emotion — sets the mood and story of a piece

In-Class Practice

Students practiced using basic forms (spheres, cubes, and cylinders) to observe and shade from a single light source. They experimented with five classic shading techniques:

1. Hatching
2. Cross-hatching
3. Stippling
4. Tonal
5. Scumbling
6. Smudging

Students were encouraged to note where their light source came from, label highlight and shadow areas, and apply gradual changes in value to create depth.

For Students Who Were Absent

If you missed this class:

1. View the attached Keynote PDF — “Unit 3: Value & Shading.”
2. In your sketchbook, complete the following:

• Draw three simple forms (sphere, cube, and cylinder).
• Choose one light source direction (top-left, top-right, etc.).
• Shade each form using one of the five techniques listed above.
• Label: Highlight, Midtone, Core Shadow, Cast Shadow, and Reflected Light.

Purpose

This foundational lesson will prepare students for our Unit 3 Project, where they’ll use these shading principles to bring light, depth, and emotion into their narrative artwork.