Enhancing Realism: Why Values Matter More Than Details

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to drawing realistic animals with coloured pencils is getting your layering and blending right so that the fur looks credible. Creating lifelike artwork isn’t about capturing every tiny hair or pore; it’s about mastering light, dark, and the subtle shifts in between.

The Two Sides of Realism

I did this half and half black lab to show how with careful blending and layering and concentrating on the all important values you can take you drawings to a different level. By shifting focus away from tiny details and toward values, you’ll see a more natural outcome.

Avoiding Over-Detailing in Short-Haired Animals

With short-haired animals like Labradors, focusing on value rather than detail is key. In real life, we don’t see every single hair on a dog; we see a balance of light and dark areas. Emphasising these subtle shifts, rather than individual hairs, results in a look that’s smooth and authentic.

The Artist’s Journey: From Details to Values

What I often see when teaching is, Artists start by fixating on details, then slowly learn that values bring realism to life. Eventually, we realise that it’s the balance between the two that creates true depth. By letting go of trying to capture every strand and focusing on value transitions, artists can achieve a natural, realistic appearance.

Tools and Techniques to Soften Realism

For this piece, I used blacks, yellows, and blues to create depth in the fur. My approach varied between softer, smaller strokes and stronger, denser areas to show the contrast. I’m very keen to point out that there is no wrong or right when it comes to drawing, however realism really does come from understanding the structure of what you’re drawing and capturing the quality of the fur or hair.

A Quick Tip for Artists Hitting a Wall

If you’re struggling to reach a new level in your work, try shifting your focus from detail to values. Emphasise the contrasts and subtle shifts, and don’t feel compelled to capture every single line You’ll find that your work will naturally take on a smoother, more realistic look with just these few thoughtful adjustments.

If you want to take your drawings to the next level make sure to watch the video above 🙂 You can also watch the full length free tutorial here