Drawing Reflections on Glass

Prepare for Drawing

Analyze the object and identify the most visible reflections, according to the position of the light source and the shape of the glass object. To help you see the important reflections and distinguish between the different tonalities in the reflections, take a digital black-and-white picture of the glass object you are drawing. You may also use a photo-editing program and increase the contrast of the picture to see the most obvious reflections. If the glass object is placed in natural light, draw using the photograph as a reference, because the position of the sun and the intensity of the light might change as you draw, so the reflections may change as well.

Draw the outline of a glass object. Use the digital photograph as a reference and add shades to your drawing. To draw thin lines, use the tip of the charcoal. To fill larger areas with shades of gray, use the side of the charcoal. Don't be afraid to use dark shades; even if you draw a transparent object, the light creates many shades on it and the only way you can draw it is to use various tones of gray and black. Apply more pressure on the charcoal to create darker shades. Use an eraser to correct any mistakes.

Add the sharply contrasting reflections using white pastel chalk. If the reflections are visible as thin lines or curves, draw them as such. Alternatively, apply a gray shade to the areas with reflections and use an eraser to create clear-white areas on your glass drawing. If the reflection requires middle tones apply chalk and use your finger or a piece of clean cloth to blend it with the neighboring charcoal.

Add a darker shade next to the sharper contrasting reflections. This strengthens the contrast and gives more visual power to the drawing. Take a black-and-white picture of your drawing and compare it to the initial photo. Make any necessary changes. To protect the charcoal and the chalk, spray your finished drawing with fixative.