The Form Principle

The form principle applied to a human figure - drawing by henry yan

here are some definitions :

VALUE - the range of tones from dark to light in different levels

FORM SHADOW - the shadow area that is created when a form turns away from a light source. Form shadow has soft edges

CAST SHADOW - The shadow area on a form that is created when another form blocks the light path towards it. Cast shadows has sharp edges.

CORE SHADOW - The edge of the form shadow. It is the darkest part and has soft edges.

REFLECTED LIGHT - The area of the form shadow where light is reflected back from other surfaces

MIDTONE - The Transition area between light and dark values.

LIGHT AND HIGHLIGHT. - The light areas that are closest to the light source. The highlight is the lightest area we see

SHADOW PATTERN - the shapes or shapes created by the arrangement of shadows


Here is the same logic applied to a basic sphere. Understand the principles and start applying it to your figure drawings.

Image taken from James Gurney

 If you would like more information on form the fantastic artist and blogger James Gurney has made  chapters on the subject on his blog.

Light and Form Part 1
Light and Form Part 2
Light and Form Part 3 
Occlusion Shadows
Reflected Light 

And i highly recommend his book on the subject of color and Light. Its as good information that you will find on the subject.




Color and Light - James Gurney