Character Costume Figure Drawing, 3rd Edition

6

Rendering Techniques

CREATING HIGHLIGHTS AND SHADOWS

The purpose of putting highlights and shadows on a figure is to define and contour the features and shapes of the body, and to create garment value and texture. Properly applying highlights and shadows brings out descriptive character, enhances effectiveness of design details, and contributes to the mood of the character. Shadows and highlights can be dramatic, exaggerated, or subtle. Artists in the fine arts may use more extreme lights, shadows, and cast shadows to create dramatic and exciting compositions of subjects that express their emotional experiences and intensify the mood ...