Chiaroscuro and Shading

contrast

Difference between things

line quality

a description of the type or characteristics of a line -thick/thin, light/dark...

value scale

a diagram (bar) depicting a range of values from light to dark; typically 0 to 10

tetrahedron

a geometric solid having four triangular sides ; a pyramid

cross-hatching

creating values with 2 or more sets of intersecting straight or curved lines

stippling

creating values with dots; also known as POINTILLISM

value

degree of light or dark, often expressed in terms of a grayscale

form

having the three dimensions of length, width, and depth. Also referred to as a SOLID.

reflected light

light that bounces off the ground plane (surface) and back onto the object

contour

lines that define the edges and general shape or form of an object

chiaroscuro

means "light & dark" in Italian; the use of light and shadow to create the illusion of realistic, 3D form in a 2D artwork (developed during the Renaissance, used by Leonardo da Vinci)

highlight

place where direct light hits and reflects off of an object.

hatching

series of lines in one direction for shading

contour hatching

shading by following the shape of a form with parallel or intersecting lines

cast shadow

shadow that falls on the ground plane, under the object and opposite the light source.

ambient shadow

shadows around and behind an object; created with values lighter than core or cast shadows

gradient

smooth, gradual transition from light to dark; also called GRADATION

core shadow

the darkest area of shadow on an object; second darkest area on the artwork

light source

the direction from which a dominant light originates. It can be artificial (light bulb) or natural (sun); the placement of this light source affects every aspect of a drawing; first step in understanding shading

mid-tones

the middle of the value scale, neither dark nor light.