Shade form with one stated light source
See this course’s project requirements
A pencil or digital three-object still life with measured proportions, negative-space checks, a five-value scale and a before/after correction.
Keep your working files in your own notebook or software. Save a private description, checklist, and work link in My Proof.
What to include
- Produce a three-object block-in and final line/value drawing.
- Record a reference unit and at least two proportion comparisons.
- Check negative spaces with identified edges.
- Include five distinguishable values and a stated light direction.
- Show one before/after correction and an intentional-style note if needed.
Review and revise
Use these criteria to check your work and choose what to improve.
- Observation: large shapes and relative dimensions follow the chosen reference.
- Placement: identified gaps/overlaps are coherent.
- Value: marks support the stated light/form model.
- Revision: one specific correction has independent evidence.
Want more background?
The idea in everyday life
In this simplified reference the light comes from upper left. A curved form changes gradually across its surface; a box can have distinct face values. A cast shadow belongs to the receiving surface and is different from the object’s own shadow side. These are drawing relationships, not physically measured illumination.
Shading makes a claim about how light meets form.
Shade form with one stated light source — worked practice
Shading makes a claim about how light meets form.
Cup plan: upper-left highlight 1–2, broad lit region 2–3, right side 4. Ball plan: a small upper-left light region, middle 3, lower-right 4–5. Box top 2/front 3/right 4. A cast shadow extends generally away from the upper-left light, toward lower right. Putting every highlight on the lower right would contradict the stated setup unless another light is introduced.
1. 5.1 Shade
Draw a small arrow labeling the fictional upper-left light. Choose the highlight, lit body and shadow regions before darkening.
You should see: The light direction is explicitly stated.
2. 5.2 Shade
Shade the cup and ball using your scale, changing density gradually on curved forms. Retain some unmarked highlight area.
You should see: Curved forms transition rather than receiving random dark patches.
3. 5.3 Shade
Use distinct plane values on the box rather than copying the ball’s gradient blindly. Add a modest cast shadow on the ground toward lower right.
You should see: Box face values and ground shadow are distinct.
4. 5.4 Shade
Change the light to upper right on a small duplicate sketch. Move the major highlight/shadow relationships; do not simply rename the old arrow.
You should see: Changed light alters the value placement.
What to finish
A coherent shaded study and changed-light thumbnail.
Watch for this
Treating the cast shadow as an outline decoration unrelated to the light direction.
How can I tell I understand it?
You can explain where the lightest and darkest regions belong in the stated model.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
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Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
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Sources and further reading
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Source & access notes · checked 2026-10-01
Read descriptions of contour, pressure, hatching and crosshatching; artwork and six-box source activity not reused.
Access: Public page text or PDF was opened and read through the web reader on 2026-10-01; no signup required for reading.
Reuse: Linked for further study. All LifeStarter scenarios, samples, assets and assessments are original; no source exercises or artwork are copied.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-10-01
Read form versus flat shape and observation/continuous-outline discussion; no artwork, wire work or source exercise reproduced.
Access: Public page text or PDF was opened and read through the web reader on 2026-10-01; no signup required for reading.
Reuse: Linked for further study. All LifeStarter scenarios, samples, assets and assessments are original; no source exercises or artwork are copied.
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