Download Article
Download Article
The secret to making a two-dimensional circle look like a three-dimensional sphere is the shading. A light will create a bright spot, with a gradient to darker shadows on the opposite side. Read on to learn how you can master this technique for yourself.
Steps
Download Article
-
Draw a hollow circle with a light line. You can use a pair of compasses or trace a round object or circular template to get a clean circle. -
Choose a light source for this sphere. The light source in this example is on the upper left, somewhat in front of the page (or behind the viewer).Advertisement -
Begin shading. Start opposite the light source and move inwards. The darkest area will be furthest from the light source. Create circles or partial circles of equal value (darkness).- The darkest part is not all the way to the edge, but in the middle of the shaded side of the sphere. The sphere is round, and as it turns back towards the light, it picks up some of the reflected light again and gets lighter.
- Try to make your transitions as smooth as possible. Using the side of the pencil can be an easy way to do it.
-
As you move towards the light source, fill the circle with less and less pressure, heavier on the dark area, lighter on the light area. You can leave a round spot nearest the light source the color of the white page. -
Use your finger or a tortillon to blend the shading and add a shadow. Notice how the circle now appears spherical, with depth.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionCan I use this sphere to draw a planet?Community AnswerYes, you can for the basic shape of the planet.
-
QuestionHow do I draw an igloo?Community AnswerDraw a half circle, then draw a slanted graph on the half circle to make it look like it is made out of snow blocks.
-
QuestionHow was the sphere named?Incognito AtheistCommunity AnswerThe English "sphere" comes from the Greek "sphaîra," meaning "ball" or "globe."
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Do not put too much pressure on the spheres or else it won't look realistic!Thanks
- You can use an eraser if you made the light part too dark.Thanks
- Add/think of a sun or light source on your page.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you erase and start again too often, you'll end up leaving ghost lines as the texture of the paper wears away. At a certain point, you'll have to start over if you just can't get the circle to look right.
- When it comes to fixing shading, I find it's best to use the softest available eraser first. This way, you won't end up overdoing it and removing too much shading.
- Shading will often look best if you use pencils with different shades (4A, HB, 4H, etc). This way, you'll get a variety of tones and shades to create depth.
- When smudging with your finger, rub in the direction you want the shape to look. If you move back and forth, it's going to look unrealistic.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Tortillon (optional)
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 327,504 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I always liked drawing and painting. I have learned a lot from you/this website. I am an after school teacher. Now I feel that I am capable to teach art (kindergarten) in a " beginners way," thank you." ..." more
Advertisement
"I always liked drawing and painting. I have learned a lot from you/this website. I am an after school teacher. Now I feel that I am capable to teach art (kindergarten) in a " beginners way," thank you."
..."
more
"I needed to draw a bauble for homework in art, this helped me make a sphere shape really well. Thanks!"
"This is the best website I have ever used to see how to draw something for my homework."
