How to Make Shadow Drawings

Find some interesting shadows that are cast onto a flat surface.

A good idea would be to look for the patterns and shapes that leaves and branches cast.

This may take a little bit of time so have a really good look to find something that appeals to you.

Then, put your card on the ground and move it around to see how the different shadows look on it. When you are happy, tape down the card, or weight it with some stones.

Using your black pencil, start to draw around the edges of the shadows that you can see.

This can be a bit tricky as the breeze might move the plants, don’t worry and focus on the lines as they move.

This is not an accurate image just the idea of shadows.

Once you have drawn all the edges, have a little rest and look at the shapes that you have drawn.

As time passes the sun will move in the sky and with it the shadows will move across the page, so draw them again, noticing the repeat patterns and where they cross over.

As you add shapes, you will begin to get a really intricate drawing which gives the idea of movement and natural form.

Play with your pencil – and colour in the different shapes in different tones – really enjoy looking at shapes.

Turn your piece of card around - looking at how the shadows make new patterns over your drawing.

Using your white pencil start to describe this new layer of shadows. Enjoy creating a new pattern over the top