How to Draw a Shaded Sphere

Last Updated: May 13, 2021

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

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
Choose a light source for this sphere. The light source in this example is on the upper left, somewhat in front of the page (or behind the viewer).

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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).
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.
5
Use your finger or a tortillon to blend the shading and add a shadow. Notice how the circle now appears spherical, with depth.

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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use this sphere to draw a planet?

Community Answer

Yes, you can for the basic shape of the planet.
Question

How do I draw an igloo?

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.
Question

How was the sphere named?

Incognito Atheist

Community Answer

The English "sphere" comes from the Greek "sphaîra," meaning "ball" or "globe."
Question

How do I shade without blending with my finger? My art teacher says we have to shade with pencil and 'toss' away our original methods of shading.

Community Answer

Use crumpled paper or a cotton swab.
Question

What would the sphere look like in color?

Community Answer

If you used a pencil, then the sphere would just be grey, but you could use colored pencils to make it any color you'd like.
Question

How hard is it to draw a 3D circle?

Community Answer

A "3D circle," also known as a sphere, is relatively easy to draw.
Question

How do I draw a ball floating?

Community Answer

Just draw this ball and add a spherical shadow a few inches below, it should look like it's floating then.
Question

How do I shade the sphere when the lighting is in the back, rather than in the front, as you have here?

Timothy W Call Jr (2023)

Community Answer

Just do the same thing, but on the opposite side. The lighting will be the same on the other side.
Question

What would it look like colorful?

Community Answer

It should look more or less the same if you use a colored pencil instead of a regular pencil. Try it and see what you think.
Question

Is this how I draw a dome?

Community Answer

Generally yes. It depends what your are drawing the dome for.