Light, Shade and Rendering
Light, shade and rendering
This domain tests whether form looks three-dimensional and materials look distinct. A single light direction, a full value range and shadows that sit on the ground are the basics.
Core rules
- Fix one light direction and keep it consistent. On a rounded form, expect highlight, light, half-tone, core shadow, reflected light and cast shadow.
- Cast shadows are darkest at the contact and soften with distance; they follow the light's projection and anchor the object to the ground.
- Reflected light belongs inside the shadow but must stay darker than the lit half-tone.
- Texture is rendered by mark direction, edge quality and value range: rough terracotta has broken highlights, metal has sharp speculars, cloth has soft folds.
Worked example
A terracotta pot on a table, window light from the left. Place the highlight on the upper-left shoulder, the core shadow on the lower-right curve, a narrow reflected light along the shadow's lower edge, and an elliptical cast shadow stretching right. Reasoning: the core shadow turns the cylinder, the reflected light keeps it from looking flat, and the ellipse matches the pot's circular rim. Keep the cast shadow sharp near the base and softer at its outer edge.
Traps
Two light directions, cast shadows detached from the object, reflected light as bright as the highlight, outlines substituting for form, and one texture applied to every surface. Check the shadow shape against the object's base.