Peter's Sketchbook

[Peter]

I definitely need to interpret what I see rather than trying to depict it as it actually looks. Take the breast for example I drew, I remember there being a firm edge but as you pointed out perhaps that wasn't the best call, I should of thought more about the form the shadow is cast upon (i.e a soft circular form) and gone with a very soft transition rather than trying to depict what I was s
eeing, even though technically that was right? If that makes any sense?

Sorry I totally missed this. I think that definitely makes sense, but in this case I don't know that the solution is to edit what you see, maybe to just look for what you don't see. I feel like what is happening is that the edge in reality really is more gradual. It just seems like it isn't because the light is bright and the shadow is hard. But we know that there simply must be values between light and shadow if the form is round. there are infinite planes that are facing in all directions, so it's physically impossible for there not to be a transition on a round form, even if it only takes up a hair's width. I have found that there's kind of are values that are 'invisible' in a sense. Like they really are there but you can't pick them out because the gradation is so tight. You just notice if the they are gone.

For example the shadows on this form are so incredibly distinct, that is seems like there's no round edge there. Especially on the side of the mouth. 

But if I remove some of the halftones I think you see it looks wrong. It looks like someone carved sharp corners into the form. So there was a descent into those shadows, but the halftones fit so gradually and perfectly into the larger mass of light, that you don't really notice unless they aren't there. 

No worries :) It's so easy to overlook something so no biggy.

Thanks again for the visual aid, infinitely more useful compared to simply writing it out so thanks for taking the time.
 Ok I see what you mean now, not gonna lie it took me a few seconds to pick up on the differences in the second image haha, guess my eyes really do hate seeing edges!

I think some longer more controlled lighting studies might be the best way for me to put this in practice as my life drawing sessions aren't always the best lit, or particularily long........

Regarding the illustration, the story was a fun little read, definitely not as dark as Poe's work! Just so I don't give you the wrong impression haha.