Chrome & metal

Let the white of the paper do some of the work.

Make room for reflected light

Use your practice area or a spare sheet to try the method before working on a favourite illustration.

01. Avoid a solid grey fill

Chrome is easier to suggest with light and dark changes than with one even grey. Leave some of the paper untouched.

02. Start with a cool grey

Add a light grey to the broad area. A small amount of blue-grey can suggest sky reflected in a polished surface.

03. Add narrow dark accents

Use a darker grey close to a reflected edge or where one part meets another. Keep these marks restrained.

04. Vary neighbouring pieces

Give adjacent engine parts slightly different tones. The contrast helps separate fins, pipes and polished covers.

Try it on a favourite.

Choose an illustration from the book collections and begin with a small area.