Adding Highlights to Toned Paper

Ethan begins by revisiting a drawing from a previous session, setting the stage for today’s focus: skillfully applying highlights. He introduces the essential tools for the task — a simple white charcoal pencil — and emphasizes the importance of not over-pressuring the pencil to avoid overly harsh contrasts. This nuanced approach helps maintain the soft transitions essential for depicting volume on rounded objects.

Throughout the lesson, Ethan explains the concept of the half-tone—the intermediate area between light and shadow—which should ideally match the tone of your paper. This technique utilizes the natural color of the paper to create a more integrated and subtle transition, enhancing the three-dimensional feel of the subject.

As Ethan applies the highlights, he offers tips on handling the pencil to achieve different light intensities, showing viewers how to manipulate the pencil’s angle and pressure for desired effects. He also demonstrates effective blending techniques using a stump, explaining how to mix the white charcoal into the paper’s texture to achieve a seamless gradation.

This tutorial isn’t just about placing white marks on paper; it’s about understanding the interaction of light and form, and using highlights to guide the viewer’s eye through the artwork. By the end of this video, you’ll be equipped with the techniques to add stunning highlights and bring a new level of sophistication to your tone paper drawings. Whether you’re a novice eager to explore the basics or an experienced artist looking to refine your skills, this lesson will provide valuable insights into the delicate balance of light and shadow.