Rendering Matte Surfaces: Volume 1

Shading Planar Surfaces with Neville Page

Learn the essential skills that every designer needs with this rendering and form foundations drawing series by Concept Designer Neville Page. Through a series of workshops dedicated to helping artists master light, form, and perspective, Neville teaches a complete foundation in rendering and form drawing, beginning with the basics of perspective before moving through planar, rounded, complex, and ultimately, reflective surfaces. Each workshop blends clear demonstrations with real-world observations to help you train your eye and sharpen your technique, whether you’re just starting out or refreshing your fundamentals. 

In Volume 1, which focuses on Rendering Matte Surfaces, Neville offers a deep dive into the shading methods that he has refined across more than 30 years of professional work and teaching. Starting with the basics, he shows how light interacts with flat planes, using a cube as the foundation, and explains how our eyes and brain interpret form through value changes. Step by step, he demonstrates how to build convincing cast shadows and define planar surfaces with clarity and intent. He then teaches how to apply those principles in your own drawings and renderings. By showing you real-world lighting examples and breaking down cast shadows, Neville guides artists through building sketches that will train their shading instincts to a level that should empower any designer. 

This workshop series is essential viewing for anyone getting started and looking to start building their foundation in drawing. More than just technique, Neville’s lessons explore the underlying philosophy of why objects appear dimensional, and how to make them feel alive on the page. Using real-time lighting studies of his custom GeoForms, Neville explains how we perceive form through value shifts, and how to harness that understanding in your own work. 

While Photoshop is the primary tool used in the demonstrations, the insights shared are universal and apply to any medium, whether traditional or digital. Whether you're just starting your journey or revisiting drawing fundamentals, this is a foundational resource worth returning to time and again. These lessons give artists all the critical skills they need to draw and design with confidence.

Rendering Matte Surfaces: Volume 2 with Neville Page – Shading Cylinders, Cones & Spheres.