Shading for Depth: Bargue Plate Method

Here’s a tiny excerpt from a recorded lesson where I demonstrate how to push for additional layers of shading—both in my own drawings and in my students’ work.

Not enough shading? You’ll often get choppiness or less sense of volume. In this lesson, I follow the traditional Bargue Plate method, inspired by Charles Bargue’s lithographs from Cours de dessin (1866-1871).

The simplest of all drawing tasks: tracing a circle. However, I see a lot of people make this simple task difficult. Here are some quick tips for those that want to avoid retracing too many times. Become a master at using a template to simplify your art life!