1. Draw the outline of your photo reference.
2. Once you've finished your outline, look at your photo reference to see which areas are darker and which are lighter. Remember to use the comparative gaze.
3. Push and pull on your drawing to make the outline disappear into whatever area is darker.  When an area is darker, add charcoal. If it's lighter, leave it white paper.
4. Optional: If you want to take this exercise further, go to section B.
5. Continue until you're done.
6. Sign it!

Still life of oranges photographed by Alexander Grey

Section B: If you want to challenge yourself:

1. Pay attention to the difference in tonality of the tonal relationships and express these differences with the greyscale.
2. Express the entire range of tonal values (white, light grey, medium grey, dark grey, black) in your piece while also pushing and pulling.
   1. For example, the tonal values of the cast shadow of the plate on the right side will be darker than the cast shadows of the apples.
3. Continue shading your drawing until done.
4. Sign it!

Click here to learn how to spray your drawing with workable fixative.