Still feels stiff? It might be your edges

Hello, Artists!

An edge is simply how sharp or soft a boundary is. How you control that sharpness can express the flow of light, the density of an object, even a sense of space — and it lets you control tension in the piece and bring out the subject.

These are actually the exact same drawing. The only difference is edge control.

Where hard edges work best

• A. Lines that define the form — weaken these and the form itself starts to fall apart

• B. Sharp terminator shadows — these carry the weight of the drawing

• C. The center of the drawing — for a portrait, that's the face: the subject itself

Where soft/lost edges work best

• A. Areas of low contrast with the background — direct light, deep shadow

• B. Low-density areas like hair, fur, or fabric

• C. Where a cylindrical form curves away from view

So, How Do You Actually Use It?

But these guidelines actually conflict sometimes — like a large line catching direct light, or a sharp terminator shadow sitting in the periphery.

In those cases, I think about the purpose of the drawing first. If the goal is clear information, I'll use hard edges to define form even in the periphery or in direct light. If the goal is mood or emotion, I'll follow the flow of light and gaze instead, and choose soft or lost edges.

The same spot can call for a different choice depending on what the drawing is for. There's no fixed formula. What matters is the intention behind opening or closing an edge — and that intention comes through fully to the viewer.

If you have any questions, just hit reply — I'd love to hear from you!