The next stage, shown by the diagram on the left, is a basic shading of the shapes that I have previously mapped out. Only three values (light to dark in range) are used to simplify the structure and make a solid foundation for later work. All ready I notice errors in my shapes and how they are not quite in the right place. Fortunately this is just a diagram of the actual drawing.

What is important here is to note the simplification taking place. There is a lot happening in the pose that will just confuse me at this point. I want to make it as easy as possible now so that the later stages fall into place. The simplification of shapes is one way to really draw the figure, especially early on. These shapes create a road map of landmarks which build the figure.

After this basic three value road map is created, I increase the number of values adding more shapes to further refine the puzzle-work. This diagram is a simplified illustration of the whole approach using mass to define the form of the figure. I approach the actual drawing, as you will see, in the exact same manner. I continue to evaluate the photo, becoming more and more concerned with smaller and smaller shapes until I'm satisfied with the drawing as a whole. As long as I have these shapes in the correct placement as they relate to each other, my puzzle is fits together. And if the values of each shape relate to the values of the surrounding shapes in my drawing the same way they relate in the photo, then I'm on target with the mass of the form as well.

The only aspect of each shape that I have not addressed yet is how they meet together. This is the aspect of edges. In this diagram, each shape is still outlined to make its borders clear to view. But each shape meets its surrounding shapes at some sort of edge. Sometimes soft, sometimes hard, edges create the movement and interaction of shapes. At times they seem to disappear or melt one into another. This is referred to as "lost" edge. The goal is to recreate the edge of each shape in the drawing as the referrenced shape in the photo. Adding a sharp edge where it should be, and a soft edge where it exists. This is more easily accomplished now that our road map is (for the most part) correct. The shapes are in the right place and they have the right value. Now I just have to play with the edge of each shape until the proper blend and segue exist between them.

On the next page I'll take the diagram a step farther and blend some edges while leaving others. All so you can see just how close I really am to a finished drawing.

Above: More value shapes added to further map out the torso.