This time, we'll introduce how to express "hard, glossy materials" using colored pencils.

Continuing from the previous "soft materials" edition, we'll again use a sphere line art to color-code the following 3 textures:

• Plastic

• Metal

• Matte metal
  

This is great practice for hard textures, so please try coloring along with us.

>> Soft & Fluffy Textures | Coloring Different Materials, Part 1

>> Download the "Texture Coloring (Practice)" Line Art

◆ 3 Tips for Creating Hard, Glossy Textures

① The Strength of Light-and-Shadow "Contrast" Changes the Material Feel

Materials that feel hard are characterized by a strong difference (contrast) between bright and dark areas.

For example, the head of a golf club or a metal part looks like the light and dark areas shift abruptly. Meanwhile, a more matte metal, like a can, has weaker contrast and a calmer texture.

Even with the same "hard, glossy" quality, keep in mind that "the strength of the contrast greatly changes the texture."

② Color Evenly, Without Leaving Unevenness

When drawing a glossy surface,
it's important to minimize gaps, unevenness, and variation in pressure as much as possible.

If you use a coloring style that leaves visible lines, or if there's unevenness, the surface will end up looking rough and grainy.

Here are the key points:

• Move in small, fine motions as you color

• Don't press hard right away — build up gradually

• Blend smoothly so no stroke marks remain

③ Decide the Light Position, and Add Shadow "Following the Form"

Once you've decided on the light source, first determine the highlight position.
Add shadow following the curve of the sphere, imagining a C-shaped curve.

Also, leaving a bit of bright reflected light just below the shadow makes the surface look even more like a hard material.

Creating a gradient in the order of light → shadow → reflected light naturally brings out the sphere's dimension.

◆ How to Color a Plastic Sphere

Characteristics of Plastic

First, lightly mark where the light hits, then add shadow along the curve.
If the shadow becomes too straight, it will lose its spherical feel, so be careful.

Key Steps

1. Leave the highlight and lightly color the surrounding area

2. Gradually darken the shadow areas in layers

3. Emphasize the shadow with one more level of dark color

4. Layer pink or similar tones for a smooth gradient

5. Blend around the highlight with a white pencil for a glossy sheen

→ A smooth flow of light is what makes it look like plastic.

◆ How to Color a Metal Sphere

Characteristics of Metal

Just like with plastic, first mark the position of the highlight and shadow,
but for metal, it's especially important to "increase the contrast between light and dark."

Key Steps

1. Add shadow along the curve

2. Leave the reflected-light area open

3. Deepen the shadow with a dark color, then black

4. Bring out a strong highlight with a white pencil

5. Move in fine motions to blend so no stroke marks remain

For metal, keeping the contrast as strong as possible is what makes the biggest difference in the final look.

A pen-type eraser is handy for fine-tuning the brightness.

◆ How to Color a Matte Metal Sphere

Characteristics of Matte Metal

The basic coloring approach is the same as regular metal, but it's important to tone down the strength of the light.

Key Steps

1. Decide the light and dark areas and color them

2. Keep the reflected light, but don't make it too strong

3. Blend the whole area smoothly

4. Add a bit of black only to the darkest areas for texture

5. Add a light touch of color even to the highlight to create a "matte feel"

Aiming for contrast "somewhere between plastic and metal" gives you just the right texture.

◆ All 3 Textures Complete!

The plastic, metal, and matte metal spheres are all complete.

Once you understand the "characteristics and tips" for each texture, you'll be able to apply them to all kinds of items — bottles, cans, accessories, and more. Please practice repeatedly to master coloring these hard textures.

Thank you for watching!