Toolbox
Glossary
All Tools
Creative Block Patterns
Identify what's blocking your creative practice right now.
Accuracy Game
Train your accuracy by matching distances and angles.
Light Direction Game
Test your ability to identify light direction.
Intention Setter
Set your intentions for specific courses or Inktober.
Drawing Glossary
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A – B
C – D
E – F
G – H
K – L
M – N
O – P
Q – R
S – T
U – V
A – B
Ambient Light
Ambient light is soft illumination that permeates a scene. In nature, the source of ambient light is...
Ambient Occlusion
occlusion shadow
Occlusion shadows are the dark areas that occur where two objects or surfaces get close to each othe...
Blending Stumps
Blending stumps are tightly rolled paper tools used to smooth and blend dry media like graphite, cha...
Block-In
The block-in is an initial stage of drawing where the artist establishes the basic proportions of th...
C – D
Cast Shadow
A cast shadow is the shadow projected by an object onto another surface in the direction opposite to...
Contour
A contour refers to the outer boundary of a shape. I think of it as a two-dimensional concept. The c...
E – F
Edge
I use the term edge to refer to the quality of the transition between shapes of different tonal valu...
Envelope
In drawing, an envelope is a simplified shape that encompasses the entire subject or major elements ...
Focal Point
A focal point is an area of primary visual interest in a composition. It's where the viewer's eye is...
Form Light
Form light refers to the part of an object that is receiving direct light from the main light source...
Form Shadow
Form shadow refers to the part of an object that is not receiving direct light from the main light s...
G – H
Halftone
midtone
Halftones are the subtle tonal gradations that occur on the surface of an object, specifically withi...
K – L
Lambert's Cosine Law
Lambert's Cosine Law states that the apparent brightness of a diffuse reflecting surface is directly...
M – N
Nōtan
Nōtan (濃淡), a Japanese design principle, emphasizes the harmony between light and dark in compositio...
O – P
Penumbra
The penumbra is the area where light is partially blocked, creating a gradual transition between the...
Plaster Cast
Plaster casts are three-dimensional replicas of sculptures, typically made from plaster of Paris, a ...
Q – R
Rhythm
Rhythm in drawing refers to repeating or alternating elements across a composition. Just as musical ...
S – T
Shadow Box
You can use a shadow box to control the lighting on your subject, like a still life or plaster cast....
Sight-Size Method
At its essence, the Sight-Size Method is an observational drawing technique for still lifes, portrai...
Sine Terminator Function
The sine terminator function describes the mathematical relationship between the light direction and...
Specular Highlight
A specular highlight is the area on a subject where a light source is directly reflected towards the...
Terminator
shadow edge, bedbug line, shadow line
The terminator, in drawing and astronomy, refers to the boundary between the illuminated area (form ...
Tonal Value
Tonal value refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a color or area in a drawing or painting...
U – V
Value Study
A value study is a small drawing made for the purpose of organising tonal values in a subject. Typic...