Shadow

1. An area where light is blocked by an object, resulting in reduced illumination.
2. In painting, the group of values not receiving direct light, including form shadow, core shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow.
3. A visual effect that describes the absence or reduction of light on a surface, used to define form and depth.

In painting and visual perception, shadows are not just dark areas but structured parts of form. They define volume, separate planes, and reveal the direction and quality of light. Shadows belong to a unified system called the shadow family and must remain clearly distinct from the light family.

Understanding shadows is essential for controlling value, depth, and realism in an image.

• Understanding shadows is essential for controlling value, depth, and realism in an image.
• Shadows belong to a unified system called the shadow family and must remain clearly distinct from the light family.
• The darkest dark in the lights is always lighter than the lightest light in the darks.
• Conversely, the lightest light in the darks is always darker than the darkest dark in the lights.