light and shadows

LIGHT AND SHADOWS

Values are the different shades of grey between white and black. Artists use values to translate the light and shadows to create the illusion of a third dimension.

 A full range of values is the basic ingredient for shading. When you can draw lots of different values, you can begin to add shading, and therefore depth, to your drawings. With shading, the magical illusion of three-dimensional reality appears on your drawing paper.

1. Where are the light values? Look for the lightest areas on the object. The very brightest of the lightest values are called highlights. 
2. Where are the dark values? Dark values often reveal the sections of the object that are in shadow. By locating shadows, you can usually identify the light source.

Exercises_____________________________________________________________

• Look around you at different objects. Focus on only the light and dark areas and not the actual colours. Concentrate on the light and shadows. Then partly close your eyes until you see the values of that object. 
• Draw an object on a black paper using chalk. In this exersice you have to look at the light.

example of light and shadow in art by  Fabrizio Corneli. 

watch the video to learn how to apply light and shadows-