Learn How to Draw an Easy 3d Sphere Step by Step with Shading
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to draw a sphere in 3d, including the shading techniques to give it depth and dimension. This art tutorial will cover all the essentials of sketching and shading a circle to transform it into a 3d sphere.
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Equipment
- Pencil
- Paper (Drawing paper is best but you can use whatever you have available. I am using a 5.5 x 8.5 inch spiral bound sketchbook with 60lb paper)
Instructions
- Sketch in a circle for the sphere or ball shape, drawing lightly.
- Sketch in an ellipse at the base of the circle for the shadow.
- Determine where your light source is coming from. Leave a white white highlight where light is hitting the sphere or ball.
- Shade in the darkest areas first. Use short strokes that follow the counter of the circle.
- Work from the outside of the circle in toward the highlight. Use lighter and lighter shading as you get closer to the highlight.
- Go over all the shaded area again making the dark areas darker. Try to get an even tone as you transition from darks to lights.
- Leave an area on the bottom darker part of the sphere just a bit lighter than the surrounding dark values. This is the reflected highlight. Light is hitting the table (or surface) and bouncing back onto the sphere leaving it a little lighter.
- Darken the core shadows of the sphere even more.
- Lastly, darken in the ellipse to make the shadow. Shade in more lightly at edges of the shadow to soften it a little bit.
Notes
- Move from your shoulder and don’t wiggle your wrist when drawing the initial circle and eclipse. This will help you make more accurate shapes.
- When drawing in the initial shapes make very light lines. They will be easier to erase if you need to adjust your sketch.
- Move your paper as you work to make the shading easier.
- Don’t forget to leave the reflected highlight. This is important to make your 3d sphere look more realistic.