Shadows

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!

Last week, you saw what difference it makes when you add shadows to our drawings. They add weight, a sense of depth, and context.

The drop shadow is at its best when there is one light source. And to understand the importance of lights and shadows, you need to see it.

So I recommend you to get a desk lamp or a flashlight and an object and then move the light source around your subject, so you can really see what the effect is of the light source from different angles and different distances too.

-When the light source is above the object, the drop shadow is kind of straight below it.
-When the light source is at the left, the shadow falls on the other side of the object.
-If the light is lower, the drop shadow becomes taller.
-When it comes from the back, the shadow can be very interesting, but the object you’re trying to draw might be mostly shaded on the side you’re looking at.

Drop shadows can add context to the subject or subjects in your drawings. There’s a lot of information in there.

Here's your assignment for this week:

Get a desk lamp or a flashlight. Pick your object to draw. Play around with your light source and your subject, to discover the effects of light and shadow for your art.

1. Draw it with the light from straight above 2. Draw it from the light from the side 3. Draw it with the light very low, for a long shadow 4. Bonus drawing: draw your subject while lit from the back.

Have fun!