Light, Shade and Shadow (Dover Art Instruction)

Without shading, even a beautiful drawing can appear flat. But artists can learn to add dimension to their work with these techniques, illustrations, and exercises that show how to achieve effects with light and shadow.

During the first half of the twentieth century, E. L. Koller wrote a series of art instruction books for home study, designed to simplify various techniques for beginning artists — and help established artists polish their craft. The books are as relevant — and the information as essential — to artists today as it was then. A classic in this series, Light, Shade and Shadow, shows how the study of light is a necessary foundation for creating an appealing work of art.
Even the most beautiful drawing can appear flat without shading. But with this expert guide, every artist can learn how to use shadow to add visual dimension and drama to their work, and to master techniques such as highlighting and gradation. Beginning with the basics — casting light on simple geometric shapes — and progressing to the human figure, these step-by-step techniques, illustrations, and exercises can show artists of all abilities how to achieve a new level of depth in their work.
 

• Essential guide to mastering techniques: Understand advanced form and shape. Dive deep into the principles of light, shade, gradient, contrast, perspective, texture, volume, atmosphere, and other essential elements to create appealing artwork. All these tools are here in this comprehensive guide!
• Visual dimension and drama: Add visual dimension and drama to your artwork with expert advice on casting light, highlights, and gradation. From simple geometric shapes to the human figure, learn how to build depth in your drawings by mastering techniques such as shading and shadowing.
• Step-by-Step Tutorials: Get clear explanations accompanied by illustrations for each technique, plus exercises designed to help you practice and master the concepts taught in Light, Shade and Shadow easily, from beginner artists to intermediate and advanced levels!
• Professional Results: Take your artwork skills from an amateur level to a professional one! With instructions in this classic guidebook, you'll be able to achieve a new level of depth in your work quickly and easily.

 

E. L. Koller was an artist and author, a member of the American Federation of Arts, and the Director of Art Schools, International Correspondence Schools.