How can you show light and shade effects in art?

One question that arises in every artist’s mind is that how can you show light and shade effects in art. In order to make your painting get that real factor and make it stand out, in short give it that X-factor, one must understand the concepts of light and shadow. It’s easy to grasp as it’s just basic physics. What’s difficult is the application.

The Amazing world of light and shade:

With nature abounding in so many shapes and textures, how the effect of light will be in such different scenarios is definitely a matter of practice and experience. For instance, the effect of light on a rough surface is different from that on a smooth one. How bright is the source of light, its direction, everything matters.

How can you show light and shade effects in art also depends on the shape of the subject on which light is falling. Light will have different effects on a triangle, a cube or a sphere. Also, the shadows will vary accordingly.

The best way to understand these concepts is to practise lots of sketching and shading especially of still life. Don’t just make still life for the sake of it. Observe carefully, why you are shading more at a particular point then other. Observe the position of the source of light, its direction, everything.

Some basic concepts to help you understand how can you show light and shade effects in art:

Cast shadow:

This is formed when an object blocks a light source. The edges of this shadow get blurred as one move away from the object. The cast shadow depends on: the angle of the light source, the shape of the object whose shadow is cast, the contour of the surface on which the shadow is formed.

Form shadow:

This is the shadow formed on the object itself. This is the portion not facing the light source. This shadow is not as well defined as the cast shadow and is softer in nature.

Highlight:

This is that portion of the object on which light falls directly. It is the brightest. It can be shiny or dull depending on the texture of the object.

Besides these major divisions, the light and shadows can be categorized into many tones, light medium, dark, darkest etc.

Let’s talk a little about abstract art:

The study of light and shadows is also helpful while making abstract art. Artists can play with these effects to give illusion, create a three dimensional feel etc. Artists who practised cubism used these effects to their advantage.

Don’t forget:

There is no light without dark and no dark without light. Their existence is relative and mutually dependent in art!