Description
This exercise is about reducing what you see to just two values: light and dark. No gradients, no soft transitions, no detail. The goal is to train your eye to recognize the main structure of an image instead of getting lost in small things.
It’s simple, but not easy. You have to make clear decisions about what belongs to light and what belongs to shadow.
Task
Make a series of small drawings using only black and white. Avoid gray completely. Work small so you don’t get pulled into details.
Level 1 — Shape Control
Draw several small rectangles on the page. In each one, divide the space into light and dark areas and fill the dark shapes completely.
Don’t start with outlines. Think in terms of filled shapes right away. Keep everything simple and avoid splitting the space evenly — uneven compositions tend to look stronger.
When you’re done, step back and check if the image reads clearly. You should instantly see what is light and what is dark.
Level 2 — From Observation
Now pick a simple object or a photo. Before drawing, squint a bit to simplify what you see. This helps group values together.
Draw only the large light and dark areas. Ignore textures, small shadows, and details. If something is close in value, group it instead of separating it.
After filling the dark areas, look at your drawing from a distance. It should still make sense without needing explanation.
Level 3 — Variation
Take the same subject and draw it a few more times. Each time, change how much of the image is dark versus light, and try to simplify it further.
This isn’t about accuracy anymore, but about finding a stronger design. Some versions will feel clearer and more balanced than others — that’s the point.
Common Problems
If you find yourself adding gray, it usually means you’re avoiding a decision. If your drawing is full of small shapes, you’re not simplifying enough. And if you’re outlining everything first, you’re thinking in objects instead of value.
Key Idea
You’re not trying to copy what you see. You’re deciding what matters and organizing it into clear, readable shapes.