Sketching Inanimate Objects: Practicing Value and Shading in Small Windows

This short tutorial video was created on a day when I did not have much time—but still wanted to draw.

If you have read my previous blog, Creating Art in Small Windows: Art Practice for Busy Professionals, you already know that I no longer wait for long, uninterrupted hours to make art. Waiting for “free time” often means postponing creativity indefinitely.

Instead, I learned to work within the time I actually have.

This sketching session is one of those moments.

Why I Chose to Sketch Inanimate Objects

For this tutorial, I focused on sketching inanimate objects—simple, everyday items that are easily accessible and familiar.  I used an old jar and positioned it in a way I want to transfer on paper.

Drawing inanimate objects removes pressure.

They do not move. They do not require emotional interpretation or likeness. They allow us to focus on form, light, shadow, and value—the foundations of drawing.

This makes them ideal subjects for short practice sessions, especially when you don't have enough free time.

Understanding Value Through Shading

The heart of this sketching exercise is value—how light and shadow define form.

In the video, I apply different shading techniques such as:

• Cross-hatching

• Checking

• Light and layered strokes

These techniques help us explore how dark and light areas work together to create depth and dimension. More importantly, they train our eyes to observe carefully and our hands to respond patiently.

This kind of practice doesn't require speed, although I have increased the speed by 8X. It requires attention.

What This Sketching Practice Is Really About

This tutorial is not about finishing a perfect drawing.  You will notice that the drawing is not perfect.  Still, its charm is its imperfection.

It is about training the eye, steadying the hand, and building familiarity with value.

When you practice shading—whether through cross-hatching, checking, or simple tonal buildup—you begin to understand how objects exist in space. You learn to see subtle transitions instead of outlines alone.

And when done regularly, even in short windows, this practice strengthens your drawing foundation.

Sketching as a Grounding Practice

For busy professionals, sketching inanimate objects can be deeply grounding.

It requires:

• Stillness

• Observation

• Patience

As you shade, your breathing slows. Your focus narrows. The noise of the day softens.

This is one of the reasons I return to sketching again and again—not just to improve my skill, but to reset.

You Don’t Need to Get It Right

In the video, you will notice pauses, adjustments, and uneven strokes.

That is intentional.

Sketching is a practice, not a performance. Value studies are meant to be explored, layered, corrected, and revisited. Every line teaches the hand something new.

If you are waiting to feel “ready” before practicing shading techniques, you may never begin. Improvement comes through repetition, not before it.

How to Use This Tutorial

You may:

• Pause the video and follow along

• Repeat the exercise using different objects

• Practice for 10, 15, or 30 minutes only

Choose one object. Observe the light. Apply value patiently.

That is enough for the day.

A Gentle Invitation

If you are busy, tired, or creatively disconnected, I invite you to try this:

Choose a simple inanimate object.
Pick up your pencil.
Explore light and shadow without pressure.

Let this tutorial guide you—but let your hand move freely.

Art does not always need intensity.
Sometimes, it only needs presence and consistency.

You are free to share your completed work.  Email it to me using the comment form, and I will see if I can add it to this page.

HAPPY SKETCHING!!!