New
New
Tonally shade architecture
I can use tonal shading to add depth and detail to architectural drawings.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 4
Tonally shade architecture
I can use tonal shading to add depth and detail to architectural drawings.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Tonal shading helps make 2D drawings look more 3D and realistic.
- Light source direction affects where highlights and shadows appear.
- Buildings have surfaces that reflect light differently â shading helps show this.
Keywords
Tone - how light or dark something is
Shading - adding tone to a drawing to create depth or show where the light falls
Highlight - the lightest part of an object where light hits directly
Shadow - the darker area where light is blocked or does not reach
Common misconception
Shading just means colouring in darker.
Tonal shading uses a range of light to dark tones to show how light hits different surfaces.
Demonstrate shading slowly using a pencil - show light, medium, and dark tones. Remind pupils that the aim is not to âcolour inâ but to build up tone gradually from light to dark using soft pressure. You could remind pupils of the different grades of pencil if a range of pencils are available.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Drawing pencils (HB, 2B if available), erasers, rulers. Blending tools (tissues or smudge sticks).
Licence
This content is Âİ Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the spot where all lines in a perspective drawing seem to meet?
What is the name of the spot where all lines in a perspective drawing seem to meet?
focus point
centre dot
meeting point
Q2.What drawing technique helps us show how far away things are?
What drawing technique helps us show how far away things are?
Q3.Why do buildings look smaller the farther away they are?
Why do buildings look smaller the farther away they are?
because they actually shrink
because of the weather
because the paper is small
Q4.Put these objects in order from closest to farthest in a perspective drawing.
Put these objects in order from closest to farthest in a perspective drawing.
Q5.What do we call how near or far something is in a picture?
What do we call how near or far something is in a picture?
Q6.Put these steps in order for drawing a building using simple perspective.
Put these steps in order for drawing a building using simple perspective.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does tonal shading help show in a drawing?
What does tonal shading help show in a drawing?
colour and pattern
names and labels
texture and smell
Q2.What is a "shadow" in an architectural drawing?
What is a "shadow" in an architectural drawing?
a part where light hits
a light area with texture
a colourful decoration
Q3.What do we call the lightest part of a shaded object?
What do we call the lightest part of a shaded object?
shadow
detail
outline
Q4.Match the tool to how it's used in shading.
Match the tool to how it's used in shading.
Q5.Put these steps in order when shading a 3D building.
Put these steps in order when shading a 3D building.
Q6.What do we use to make an area look smooth and softly shaded?
What do we use to make an area look smooth and softly shaded?
