How To Draw A Shaded Sphere: 5 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Draw a Shaded Sphere PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Kelly Medford

Last Updated: February 19, 2026

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This article was co-authored by Kelly Medford. Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art. This article has been viewed 330,621 times.

The secret to making a two-dimensional circle look like a three-dimensional sphere is the shading. A light will create a bright spot, with a gradient to darker shadows on the opposite side. Read on to learn how you can master this technique for yourself.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Draw a hollow circle with a light line. 1 Draw a hollow circle with a light line. You can use a pair of compasses or trace a round object or circular template to get a clean circle.
  2. Step 2 Choose a light source for this sphere. 2 Choose a light source for this sphere.[1] The light source in this example is on the upper left, somewhat in front of the page (or behind the viewer). Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Begin shading. 3 Begin shading. Start opposite the light source and move inwards. The darkest area will be furthest from the light source. Create circles or partial circles of equal value (darkness).
    • The darkest part is not all the way to the edge, but in the middle of the shaded side of the sphere. The sphere is round, and as it turns back towards the light, it picks up some of the reflected light again and gets lighter.[2]
    • Try to make your transitions as smooth as possible. Using the side of the pencil can be an easy way to do it.[3]
  4. Step 4 As you move... 4 As you move towards the light source, fill the circle with less and less pressure, heavier on the dark area, lighter on the light area. You can leave a round spot nearest the light source the color of the white page.[4]
  5. Step 5 Use your finger... 5 Use your finger or a tortillon to blend the shading and add a shadow. Notice how the circle now appears spherical, with depth.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question Can I use this sphere to draw a planet? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, you can for the basic shape of the planet. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 40 Helpful 72
  • Question How do I draw an igloo? Community Answer Community Answer Draw a half circle, then draw a slanted graph on the half circle to make it look like it is made out of snow blocks. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 51 Helpful 71
  • Question How was the sphere named? Incognito Atheist Incognito Atheist Community Answer The English "sphere" comes from the Greek "sphaîra," meaning "ball" or "globe." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 58 Helpful 52
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Video

Tips

  • Do not put too much pressure on the spheres or else it won't look realistic! Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
  • You can use an eraser if you made the light part too dark. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
  • Add/think of a sun or light source on your page. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • If you erase and start again too often, you'll end up leaving ghost lines as the texture of the paper wears away. At a certain point, you'll have to start over if you just can't get the circle to look right.
  • When it comes to fixing shading, I find it's best to use the softest available eraser first. This way, you won't end up overdoing it and removing too much shading.
  • Shading will often look best if you use pencils with different shades (4A, HB, 4H, etc). This way, you'll get a variety of tones and shades to create depth.
  • When smudging with your finger, rub in the direction you want the shape to look. If you move back and forth, it's going to look unrealistic.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Tortillon (optional)

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References

  1. ↑ Kelly Medford. Professional Artist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Kelly Medford. Professional Artist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Kelly Medford. Professional Artist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Kelly Medford. Professional Artist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Kelly Medford Co-authored by: Kelly Medford Professional Artist This article was co-authored by Kelly Medford. Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art. This article has been viewed 330,621 times. 16 votes - 70% Co-authors: 40 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 330,621 Categories: Drawing Shapes
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 330,621 times.

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kelly Medford Co-authored by: Kelly Medford Professional Artist 16 votes - 70% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 40 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 330,621 Marelisa Rubert

Marelisa Rubert

Mar 12, 2017

"I always liked drawing and painting. I have learned a lot from you/this website. I am an after school teacher. Now..." more C. Gibson

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