Light and dark lines

[mtw]

I just started taking a drawing class and we learned about making lines that change from light to dark to denote distance. Is this something I should be thinking about when making sketches, or is it more for finalized drawings? I'm having a hard time with it right now, especially since I'm having to use a Conte crayon which I've never used, so I guess I'm going to need to do lots of practicing.

[I.was.ink]

go here (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2802) to see what I suggested to ZippZopp, I think it would help u out! Those thick and think lines are very important. By using that conte crayon on its side you can describe the shape of a shadowwith one stroke! or get a fine little detai with just a corner. I suggest the conte pencils, like the ones mentioned in the link above! If a part of the model is being hit by the light...lets say on her arm... then wherever that light is touching that arm, u don't necessarily have to draw a big fat line. its not an out line. use your line to describe the weight of the body as well. To describe that same arm as well; you could darken the background behind the arm to suggest the arm, without having to draw it! If all the weight of a person is resting on one leg. then acentuate that by drawing a heavier line on the toes of the foot, or the hamstring if it is needed. Wherever there is less weight, suggest it by a single thin stroke. try these out and see how they work for you.

That and practice..practice..practice!

[mtw]

Thanks for the tips. Now that I've taken a good long rest since that class, I think I've started to understand the point of them better and now I just need to get my muscles used to drawing like this.