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.
