Add dimension with shading

[theatremgr]

I have found that a little chalk applied to the basic cut out shapes will give the pieces greater dimension.  The best source for how to do shading is from a book on "Air Brush Technique".  You can use the chalk or pigment to do the same thing as the air brush paints in the book.

The most basic idea is to try to show shadows based on the source of light on your object.

Here are two examples of how the humming bird can be given dimension by adding some shading to the flat pieces.

Have fun!
KEN

P.S. You can click on the picture to make it bigger!

[leokowal]

Very cool Ken! Thanks for sharing, this is very useful!

Do you know who wrote that book?

[joanne413]

wow...what a difference it makes.  thanks for sharing!!

[theatremgr]

Hello Leo,

Thanks for reading my post.


The Big Book of Airbrush Techniques and Materials [Paperback]
Jose Parramon (Author), Miguel Ferron (Author)
I found it on the internet and a used copy is about $5.00 at Amazon.

Hope this helps.
KEN

[leokowal]

We'll check it out! Thanks a bunch

[maryrudakas]

Super cool, Ken!  Thanks for sharing! 

Are you using the Colorbox chalk inkpads?  Those are the only ones I've seen/tried.

[theatremgr]

Hello Mary,

I do use the Color Box pigments with good results.

I find them on sale often for $1 and they have lots of colors from which to choose.

The shading works best if you rub gently from the center of the object toward the edge.   I usually hold the piece in one hand while coloring with the other hand.  The piece then bends making the pressure against the pad get stronger at the edge giving a nice shading effect.  That way the color starts gradually and gets stronger toward the edge of the piece.  

Since Harriet and I make 40 identical cards a month for residents of the local assisted living facility, we get lots of practice making many of the same figures for the cards.

We really appreciate the wonderful shapes and ideas you provide through these web pages.

KEN

[tebug]

THANK YOU for sharing!  I am sooo going to check out the book.  I bought chalks a while ago for that purpose but never figured out the right way to use them.  I am not a drawer by any means and the idea of shading is lost on me so this is awesome!