Practice: Shading a Sphere (Looking for CC)

[Kriyas]

Okay, going from some of the suggestions here I decided to try and shade a simple sphere. I also wanted to practice with my WACOM tablet and PS.

I made this in 30-45 minutes. I was playing around with some new brushes. And when I felt finished, I used the blur tool all over it to give it a bit more of a blended feel.

I feel like there is a lot I can do to improve here. Any suggestions what I can do to improve?

OH YEAH! Ignore the white line around the sphere, please. :( It was a glitch as I was trying to edit it. I know how to prevent it in the future.

http://home.comcast.net/~kriyas27/art/ball001a.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~kriyas27/art/ball001b.jpg
(Posting the smaller pic just cuz I think it looks better at that size. :p )

[Darkstrider]

*jealous cause you got a Wacom*

Well, it's a pretty good drawing of a japanese paper lantern!

You'vre got the right general idea, but
the first thing that says 'mistake' to me is the shadow under the sphere. It should be more of an oval shape. What you ought to do is put a ball on the table and look at what the shadow does.

Then, about the shading on the sphere itself... it works to an extent, but you could push it further. Changing the angle of the light source can make for a much more interesting rendering. Rather than the highlight being right at the edge, pull it down toward the front some more and things get more fun. You could also think about reflected light hitting the bottom of it from the table's surface.

Just the other night I saw a drawing liike this... was it by KChen? I don't remember, but one of the really good artists in here. I'll see if I can find it and put up a link, cause he did everything right and then some!

Sorry to rip into you so much, but you know... it's for your own good! :bash: (tough love)

EDIT***I found this little tut online, check it out: http://www.anticz.com/drawing1.htm

Here's that KChen drawing I was talking about... it's actually an egg, but you can see how he does it: http://www.imagewiz.net/images/kchen/155018_Analytical_week03_02.jpg

...The biggest thing I can stress is to actually look at a real ball. Your whole idea of how to draw it will change drastically once you do.

Ok, shutting up now. Draw on!

[Kriyas]

Well, it's a pretty good drawing of a japanese paper lantern!

Okay I just cracked up laughing at that. :D I had similar thoughts last night when I was drawing it, that the shading didn't blend very well. :p

I appreciate the comments actually. It's not exactly a masterpiece that I'm looking for praise on. lol I will take a look at that website, and take your comments and try again.

Thank you. :)

[Darkstrider]

Good attitude! I'm glad you didn't take my comments the wrong way.

Keep drawing!