SHADOWS

The ability to render objects with projected shadows and understanding how to use different light sources can make a difference to your drawings. Form is created and emphasised by applying tone (light and shadow) to shape. Light directed at an object will create shadows and define the object’s form. Exploring light and shadow will allow you to achieve dramatic and eye-catching results in your rendering.

LIGHT SOURCE

When starting a rendering of an object, you need to decide where the light source is coming from, as the light source creates the light and shadowed areas on the object. Figure 1.35 is a photograph of a collection of wooden blocks arranged in a simple composition. The same composition has been drawn in Figure 1.36. The task of drawing and rendering the composition was made easier because the blocks could be seen and the light source and light and shadowed areas could be determined.

CREATING YOUR OWN SHADOWS

There are several ways to construct shadows, and different situations will call upon different methods. A shadow occurs when an object obstructs the path of light – for example, a box sitting in the sun. The shape of the shadow is determined by the shape of the object. The light passes the edge of the object and casts the shadow. Shadows can be cast from the object onto the ground or onto the object itself. Drop shadows are shadows cast directly below the object, as seen in Figure 1.37. Notice in the drawings the correlation of the light source angle and the angle of the shadow projection lines.