Topic 1 : Value of light
and shadow
Value of light and shadow
Value means level of intensity increasing from white to black. In visual arts this is
the value of light intensity and shadow reflected from the figure.
Light is an area where light reflected on the object.
Shadow is an area where there is no light reflection.
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
Picture shows the front lighting of object which is not suitable for drawing picture and painting.
Picture shows the lateral front lighting at 45 degree angle of the object which is suitable for drawing.
Picture shows the back lighting which is not suitable for drawing.
Picture shows the lateral lighting.
Picture shows the setting of direction of light from below the object.
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.