Mechanics:
LIGHT Mechanics:
Light and Shadow shapes
Shadow shapes are important. The Christmas tree ornament, above, seems to change shape depending on where the light is pointed. A thing’s shadow is one of the most descriptive aspects of an image, yet it is one of the most overlooked features. Study the shadow shapes carefully, for they are powerfully descripture of the thing itself.
A vague or conflicting light source depicted in a drawing or painting can kill the optical effect. Knowing where the light originates is vital for the artist. So ask: where’s the light coming from? It’s smart for an artist to make a little arrow on the paper to indicate the light source. There basically two types of light: strong direct light, like sunlight, and there’s ambient light, such as light on a foggy day. Sunlight causes pronounced shadows and ambient light causes soft, diffuse shadows. In both cases, shadows form on the opposite side of the light source. Another consideration is of the light’s temperature, as it will flavor the mood. Shadows are formed from the cast shadow of the object, combined with the surface on which they strike. Creating convincing shadows is one of the top problems
43 6
beginning artists encounter. Try this exercise: make a few drawings using just the shadow to describe the object. Take care in making shadows become a part of the composition and not an afterthought. Another consideration is how far the light source is to the object it strikes. The farther away it gets, the softer edged the shadows will appear.
{
Tip:
}
Try drawing the shadow of a thing first, instead of last, as is usually the case. Be as interested in the shadow as a child who first notices his own shadow.
