PP designed for DVI by Camilla S. Haneberg

Things to consider when studying shadows in drawing

What is a cast shadow? “Any opaque object that interrupts the flow of light consequently projects behind itself a field or zone of shadow.” Ted Seth Jacobs

Why is a cast shadow important to an art work? (we’ll come back to this question later)

Can you identify what is casting this shadow?

What is casting this shadow?

This one?

Can you tell what this is?

What is the difference between these two cast shadows?

Where is the light source for each?

here Origin of light

Where is the light source coming from here?

Penumbral Shadow

Penumbral shadows are multiple cast shadows that radiate outward from the object. They come from more than one light source.

Can you tell where the origin of light is for these apples?

If the light source was the sun, what time of day would it be? early morning late morning around noonearly afternoon

What happens when the cast shadow falls on a surface that is not flat?

The cast shadow takes the shape of whatever form it falls onto.

So, why is a cast shadow important to an art work?

 They indicate three dimensional space in an art work

So, why is a cast shadow important to an art work?  They indicate three dimensional space in an art work  They can give us information about where the light source is coming from

So, why is a cast shadow important to an art work?  They indicate three dimensional space in an art work  They can give us information about where the light source is coming from  They can give us visual information about the surface or forms they are being cast upon

So, why is a cast shadow important to an art work?  They indicate three dimensional space in an art work  They can give us information about where the light source is coming from  They can give us visual information about the surface or forms they are being cast upon  They can give us more information about the shape of the object that is casting them

So, why is a cast shadow important to an art work?  They indicate three dimensional space in an art work  They can give us information about where the light source is coming from  They can give us visual information about the surface or forms they are being cast upon  They can give us more information about the shape of the object that is casting them  And they can help the objects that are casting them to stand out in space

One more for fun…can you tell what cast this shadow?

This shadow is like a cut out of the dog (or a silhouette)

Resources: Light for Artists, Ted Seth Jacobs Drawing with an Open Mind, Ted Seth Jacobs