Light Effects

Values are used to create the effects of light and shadow in a drawing. To make your drawings look realistic, you will need to replicate these different light effects.

• Light Source. Basically, the origin of the light. To determine the shading and shadows of a scene, it is important to determine the position of the light source so you know from which direction the light is coming. The light source is usually the sun or a lamp, so the light usually comes from the top. A light source positioned at the top left or right will give more depth than one located straight above your subject.
• Highlight. A highlight occurs where light reflects off an object. In a drawing, this appears as a bright spot.
• Form Shadow. A shadow on an object that gives depth and dimension to its form.
• Cast Shadow. A shadow that is cast or thrown by one object onto another surface.
• Reflected Light. Light that bounces off a surface and adds light to a region of the object that would otherwise be darker.

A Natural Light Source

Moving the light source from below the subject to above gives the monster a less frightening appearance.

An Unnatural Light Source

It’s more than just a bad haircut that made Frankenstein’s monster look scary. Placing the light source below the subject contributes to his frightening looks.