Topic 1 : Value of light 

and shadow

Value of light and shadow

the value of light intensity and shadow reflected from the figure.

     Light reflected on the object creates shadow which makes the figure of the object be seen as 3 dimensional having width, length and depth or thickness of the figure. In line drawing, putting weight of light and shadow of a figure makes an illusion on a pane of the paper.

The origin of light are from:

1. natural light, ie. sunlight, etc.

2. invented light by men, such as light from electrical bulb, candle, etc. In arts, the most proper light is sunlight.

Degree of intensity of light and shadow in visual arts

Picture shows the value of light and dark intensity in 9 levels distinquishable by human eyes.

Setting the direction of light

1. Front Lighting         Light enter the front of the object creating shadow behind the object. This is not a suitable setting for the dissection of light and shadow in drawing.

Picture shows the front lighting of object which is not suitable for drawing picture and painting.

2. Lateral Front Lighting This setting allows light to enter side way at 45 degreeangle of the object. This creates light and dark weight which can see figure and dimension of the model clearly.

Picture shows the lateral front lighting at 45 degree angle of the object which is suitable for drawing.

3. Back Light This is the setting of direction of light from behind the object which creates shadow in the front and luminescence surrounding the object. The image is seen as rather flat and not suitable for drawing.

Picture shows the back lighting which is not suitable for drawing.

4. Lateral Lighting This setting of light creates shadow on one side which allowsthe volume and depth to be seen from the adjacent light and shadow. It gives the strong feeling to the picture.

Picture shows the lateral lighting.

5. Light From Below This is the setting of direction of light from below, shiningup to the object. It appears not natural and give error feeling and into another dimension.

Picture shows the setting of direction of light from below the object.

6. Light From Above This is the setting of direction of light that will give shadowopposite to where the light enters which is the area underneath the object. It gives a strange feeling but not popular for practice drawing.

Picture shows the setting of direction of light from above which is not popular for drawing.

Summary

Value means the intensity of whiteness and gradually turn to black in visual arts. The value of intensity of light and shadow reflected on the object is the bright area on the object where light reflected. Shadow is the area not reflected by light. Two light sources are natural light (sun) and artificial light such as light from a light bulb, etc.

The 9 levels of light and shadow are the levels of light intensity, distinquishable by eyes. The setting of light directions include 6 directions from the front, lateral at 45 degree angle, behind, lateral, below and light from above the object.