Light and shadow in the drawing

light and shadow

Rules of light and shadow in drawing and painting according to the location and intensity of the light, and how the light is distributed over the object and the background.

Light and Shadow in a drawing by Alexander Cherkov, from the book Introduction to the World of Art "Sculpture, painting, drawing and more"

Rules of light and shadow in the drawing can be summarized in three points:

1. Define the position of the light source relative to the format
When starting the painting, one should determine the position of the light source (or sources) in relation to the format. It can be within the format behind the object itself (backlight) and it can be a visible light source. Most often, the place of the light source is outside the format: for example, from above the center, from the right, from the left from below, and so on. Keep in mind that all parts of The composition Illuminated from the same source.

2. Set the light intensity
The intensity of the light source depends on its power, as well as the magnitude of its distance from the object. A light source, even small, located close to the object creates high-contrast lighting, which disappears quickly as it is removed. A strong light source (the sun for example), even when at some distance, provides uniform lighting for the entire format.

3. Rules for distributing light over the object and background

light and shadow
light and shadow

Light and shadow in the drawing

0 - Shine - is the lightest white color found in white or paper white drawing media. Glare occurs only on glossy surfaces.
1 - Light - The brightest place on the object, is placed on the object at a right angle to the light source.
2 - Half shade - in any area of ​​the object located at any other angle with respect to the light source.
3 - Reflex - Light reflected from the background or a nearby object occurs only if the background or nearby object is bright enough.
4 - Shadow - The area of ​​the object located on the opposite side of the brightest place.
5 - Shadow falls - is a shadow cast on the background or a nearby object that comes in contact with the illuminated object. The Shadow Will never be darker than The falling shadow.

Light and shadow in the drawing

Male torso sculpture exercise

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