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What is shading from light to dark called?

Published in Art Technique 2 mins read

Shading from light to dark is called chiaroscuro.

What is Chiaroscuro?

Chiaroscuro is an Italian term meaning "light-dark." It is an artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark areas in a drawing or painting to create the illusion of depth and volume.

How does Chiaroscuro work?

  • Light: The light areas are usually the brightest parts of the image, representing the areas that are directly illuminated by a light source.
  • Dark: The dark areas, known as shadows, are the areas that are not directly illuminated by the light source.
  • Transition: The gradual transition between light and dark areas helps to create the illusion of three-dimensionality.

Examples of Chiaroscuro

  • Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa: The use of chiaroscuro is evident in the subtle modeling of Mona Lisa's face, where the light highlights her features and the shadows create depth.
  • Caravaggio's paintings: Caravaggio's paintings are known for their dramatic use of chiaroscuro, often featuring a single, intense light source that casts dramatic shadows.

Uses of Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is a technique used in various artistic mediums, including:

  • Painting: Oil paintings, watercolors, and acrylic paintings.
  • Drawing: Charcoal, pencil, and pen and ink drawings.
  • Photography: Black and white photography often utilizes chiaroscuro to create dramatic effects.
  • Film and Television: Chiaroscuro is used in lighting to create mood and atmosphere.

In summary, chiaroscuro is a technique that uses contrasts between light and dark areas to create the illusion of depth and volume in art.

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