{"id":35745,"date":"2020-09-21T12:34:28","date_gmt":"2020-09-21T12:34:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=35745"},"modified":"2026-04-02T22:34:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T22:34:26","slug":"realistic-pencil-drawing-value-texture-and-a-square","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/realistic-pencil-drawing-value-texture-and-a-square","title":{"rendered":"Realistic Pencil Drawing &#8211; Value Texture and a Square"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>Realistic Pencil Drawing:<\/span> Value, Texture, and a Square<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"insertbackground\">\n<div class=\"removep\">\n<div class=\"videoflexwrapper\">\n<div class=\"videotop\">\n  <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/515423158\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebartop\">\n<div class=\"vertalign\">\n<div class=\"logoimage\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logosmall75.png\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarcarddescriptiondark\"><span>JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR<\/span><br \/>\n    Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbuttonholder\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttonsmem\">START FREE TRIAL<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<hr style=\"background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:1.5em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/register-realistic-pencil-drawing\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY SINGLE COURSE $97<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperkscontainer\">\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><span>This course features:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"far fa-clock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Over 5 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>29 Videos<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-book\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>5 eBooks<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-shield-alt\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/i>30 Day Money Back Guarantee<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p>\n\n<div class=\"contentfix\">\n<div class=\"favorites\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tabs\">\n<input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-1\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-1\" class=\"label\">Lessons <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Course Curriculum<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"curriculumcontainer\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/realistic-pencil-drawing-introduction-and-materials\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION AND MATERIALS<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/realistic-pencil-drawing-value-texture-and-a-square\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 2: VALUE, TEXTURE, AND A SQUARE<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 1: Value (7:58)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: Mark Making (7:23)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: Inventing Textures (17:41)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: Simulating Texture  (18:14)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 5: Square of Patience (10:43)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/realistic-pencil-drawing-grid-drawing-falcon\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 3: GRID DRAWING - FALCON<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/realistic-pencil-drawing-sighting-glass-of-water\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 4: SIGHTING - GLASS OF WATER<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/realistic-pencil-drawing-the-final-challenge\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 5: THE FINAL CHALLENGE<\/strong><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-2\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-2\" class=\"label\">Description <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:3px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Description<\/h2>\n<p>\nThese lessons build on foundational drawing concepts by focusing on how value and texture work together to create the illusion of form. This lesson is designed to help artists better understand how light behaves on surfaces and how careful value control can transform simple shapes into convincing, three-dimensional objects. Through clear explanation and practical demonstration, this class strengthens essential skills required for realistic drawing.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding Value Relationships<\/h2>\n<p>\nA primary focus of this lesson is learning how values relate to one another. You\u2019ll explore how highlights, midtones, and shadows define form and how even subtle value changes can dramatically affect realism. The class demonstrates how to organize values logically, allowing the drawing to read clearly and convincingly. Rather than guessing, you\u2019ll learn how to observe and compare values accurately.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Using a Simple Form to Learn Complex Ideas<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe square may seem like a simple subject, but it provides an ideal way to study light and shadow. In this class, the square is used to demonstrate how flat shapes can appear three-dimensional when values are applied correctly. You\u2019ll learn how planes change value based on their orientation to the light source and how edges and corners contribute to the perception of depth.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Exploring Texture in Pencil Drawing<\/h2>\n<p>\nTexture plays an important role in realism, and this lesson shows how texture can be suggested without overwhelming the drawing. You\u2019ll learn how pencil marks, pressure, and layering can create the appearance of surface quality while still maintaining clear value structure. The class explains how texture should support form rather than compete with it.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Layering Graphite Effectively<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe lesson demonstrates how to build values gradually through controlled layering. You\u2019ll learn how to start light and slowly deepen shadows while preserving highlights. This approach helps maintain clarity and prevents overworking the drawing. Techniques for smoothing transitions and sharpening edges are also covered, helping the square feel solid and dimensional.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Developing Better Observation Skills<\/h2>\n<p>\nThroughout the class, emphasis is placed on careful observation and patience. You\u2019ll learn how to slow down and truly see value changes instead of relying on assumptions. These observation skills are essential not only for drawing simple forms but also for tackling more complex subjects with confidence.\n<\/p>\n<h2>A Critical Step Toward Realism<\/h2>\n<p>\nBy the end of this module, you\u2019ll have a completed drawing and a deeper understanding of how value and texture create form. The concepts learned in this lesson apply to all realistic drawing subjects, making it a crucial step in developing strong, dependable drawing skills.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Specific Lessons<\/h2>\n<h3>Lesson 1 - Value<\/h3>\n<p>In this lesson, we explore value - one of the seven elements of art.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 2 - Mark Making<\/h3>\n<p>In this lesson, we begin our look at texture by exploring mark making.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 3 - Inventing Textures<\/h3>\n<p>In this lesson, we look at creating textures from imagination that represent surfaces from reality.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 4 - Simulating Textures<\/h3>\n<p>In this lesson, we work from photo references to replicate observed textures.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 5 - Square of Patience<\/h3>\n<p>In this lesson, we wrap up our look at texture by completing one last texture study.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-3\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-3\" class=\"label\">Materials <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Materials<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Stonehenge White Paper<\/li>\n<li>2H, HB, and 2B Graphite Pencils<\/li>\n<li>Blending Stumps<\/li>\n<li>Vinyl or Plastic Eraser<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-4\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-4\" class=\"label\">Resources <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Resources<\/h2>\n<h4>References<\/h4>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Download eBook<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Photo References<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbottom\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Your Instructor<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructor\">\n<div class=\"instructorimage\">\n<div class=\"instructorpic\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/images\/mattauthor.jpg\" alt=\"Matt Fussell - Instructor\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"instructorname\">Matt Fussell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructordes\">\n<p>Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p><div style=\"padding-top:10px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/author\/admin\">Learn more about Matt<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relatedcoursescontainer\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Related Courses and Classes<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/mastering-metal-with-graphite-and-white-charcoal\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Mastering Metal<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mastering-Metal-Graphite-White-Charcoal.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pencil-drawing-the-guide-to-graphite\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>The Guide to Graphite<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Pencil-Drawing-The-Guide-To-Graphite-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/graphite-elephant-live-lesson-series\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Elephant with Graphite<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/GraphiteElephantSmall.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction myFunction(x) {\n  if (x.matches) { \/\/ If media query matches\n    radiobtn = 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This lesson is designed to help artists better understand how light behaves on surfaces and how careful value control [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"paget-iframe.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35745","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35745","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35745"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35745\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46036,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35745\/revisions\/46036"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}