artificial shadows?

[godfather]

Do people paint a slightly darker shade of skin tone under the arms between legs etc to give the illusion of shadow or do you let natural shadows do the work? I am not talking about dramtic shadow differences such as under the chin.

 

[Guy]

Hello Talino,
The shadows under the arms and in between the legs are a combination of both painting, a little darker there, and natural lighting, as it would create a shadow there. I paint this area a little darker as the lighting will vary according to where the figure is displayed too.

 

[y_wong]

Dear Talino,

Yes I do paint in the shadow and highlight but in a subtle way. It's meant to enhance the natural shadow casts when the figure is exposed to light.

regards :lol:

 

[Pete_H]

I'd imagine that painted-in shadows would look rather goofy if the lighting weren't right. But this problem would be remedied if the entire piece - groundwork included - were painted to represent some form of directed lighting.

 

[btavis]

Originally posted by Pete_H@May 14 2004, 09:17 PM
I'd imagine that painted-in shadows would look rather goofy if the lighting weren't right. But this problem would be remedied if the entire piece - groundwork included - were painted to represent some form of directed lighting.

I did that on a piece once. Not so easy. After I base coated the figure I held it under a hundred watt light bulb and then traced where the shadows fell, including on the ground. The effect was there and if the contrast is strong enough it can override the actual lighting to create (are you ready for this kids)... trompe l'oeil. To assist in the effect it is a good idea to paint the shadows in complementary colors.

 

[gforceman]

As I like strong contrast a lot I do paint under the arms, between legs etc... much darker. These area's i don't highlight either. Area's wich are hit by direct sunlight get a much lighter colour and almost no shading.

i hope this helps.

Greetz,

Gino.