Lyraina's sketchbook

[Lyraina]

Blewzen: Thank you! Algenpfleger style, that was not what I was aiming for, but I can't say I'm unhappy with the association ;)

Gurney Notes

Three-quarter lighting
- light source 45° from model, both eyes illuminated -> most portraits are like this
- key light (main light) vs. weaker fill light (reflected or secondary light source)
- short lighting = foreshortened are of face (farther away) is lit, makes face thinner

Frontal Lighting
- can be hard or soft
- very little shadow
- planes get darker as they turn away -> creates outline IRL

Edge Lighting (rim light, kicker)
= a form of backlighting
- separates form from background
- requires strong light source
- i.e. low sun shining towards viewer
- hard, reflective surface can create flaring highlight
- width of rim light depends on size of planes facing backward (NOT only a white outline!)

Contre Jour
= a form of backlighting
= subject blocks the light
- shape emphasized
- colors lose saturation

For those I took a template from a photographer, I hope he does not mind, and tried to shade the Reilly head accordingly. Then checked with the original sheet to see where I was off. I still don't really understand when and how the light hits the forehead instead of the temple area, I think I need to do some more experimenting with a dummy, or my skull, or my father's head or something...



I call those "100%-opacity-brush is not on friendly terms with me"-exercise. I hope we will get along eventually. Any advice how to make the lines do what I want them is appreciated.