Please critique my shading and grades.
The top is a shaded form
The middle is a grade using a hb pencil
The bottom is a grade using 2h hb b 2b 4b 6b

How am I doing.
Click to view attachment

Looks pretty good to me, but it would be nice to see more examples of the shading in the context of drawings. Certainly using value-strips is a way to go. One thing I do note is that your handling is on the "robust" side, and I wonder if you might like to try putting down areas of tone more lightly, and building up in several layers, as a way of getting more even tone?


Dave

You obviously have the concept of shading, but you need to decide which technique you are applying it with. Here there seems a mix of hatching and more general shading.

Also, you should try practicing smooth even graduation of value without any overlapping 'seams' such as there are here. This shading here would work well in a strong, loose drawing, and you don't say just what you are trying to achieve. I'd like to see what you produce on a variety of shapes and light sources.

Yes i noticed that also .. the over lapping should fad smoother .. practice by just using a sheet of paper scarp whatever and just feel your pencil drag and the presure of your hand ...slowly lighten up on the presure ....you may even have to go back and forth a bit...but soon you will see how smooth it looks then work on going even lighter ....once you get that down ...shading becomes a breeze ..unless of course you have no clue as to where the shading goes . hope this helps .