Let There Be Light

In this final book of the Copic Coloring Guide series, we want to take you to the artist level, thinking about and coloring images in a realistic and true to nature way. To do this, we need to tackle the topic of light. Talking about light source and creating highlights and shadows can be daunting, so we want to start with some basic terminology. Often, using and understanding the same language can break down barriers of frustration and uncertainty.

Basic Terminology

While there are many more terms than what we will cover here and much more detailed descriptions of these terms, we want to keep this section simple and present just the basic, essential information. The definitions here should be enough to make you comfortable tackling the coloring of any of your stamped or digital images.

Light Source: The direction from which a dominant light originates. The placement directs the eye and will affect every aspect of the image. The light source visually tells where to add light values and dark values.

Value: Different shades of gray from white to black.

Shading: Gradient blending from light value to dark value.

Highlight: The area(s) where light hits the object first and fullest. Illustrated by the very lightest value.

Mid-Tone: The area(s) not in direct light or direct shadow.

Form Shadow: The area(s) on an object that receive little to no light. Often called core shadow.

Cast Shadow: The area(s) on the adjacent surface where the light is blocked by the object. Cast shadows also vary in tone and value.

Contrast: The difference between light and dark values.

Low Contrast: An image having only light and middle values. The image will tend to look soft and flat.

High Contrast: An image having a variation of light to dark values. The image will look more visually appealing and 3-D.

Checking Images for Contrast

Here are some ways to check an image for contrast:

Squint

By squinting, the details lose focus and the value becomes more visible.

Hold Image at Arm's Length

By holding the image further away, the details lose focus and the value becomes more visible.

Hold Image Upside Down or in a Mirror

The image itself loses shape and the value becomes more visible.

Turn Image to Black & White

The color is removed and the value becomes the main focus.

The Importance of Value

Value visually defines an object and gives it depth and dimension. Without a variety of light and dark values, an object appears as flat as the paper it is illustrated on.

Here is an activity to help train your eye to see value:

Remove all color and replace it with shades of gray. When an image is colored, we tend to focus on the hue instead of the value. By removing the color and using different shades of gray, we can see the value without the distraction of color. This is called a grayscale or a value study.

Now let's look at the same apple image with all color removed.

It's even more helpful to go one step further and create a modified grayscale to show value.

We will be using this type of value study throughout the remainder of the book. We strongly suggest that you begin playing with images and creating your own value studies for them.

Light Source

We hope this next section gives you a "light bulb" moment. We can't stress enough the importance of light in your images. It is vital that you identify your light source and plan the placements of highlights and shadows before you pick up a marker.

Using the same simple apple image, let's take a look at how the light in an image changes with movement of the light source.

First Value Study: Light Directly From Front

In this first value study, the light source is coming from directly in front of the image. Note how the top of the highlight follows the shape of the apple as it curves away from the viewer. Notice too how there is a darker shadow near the stem where the apple curves down into itself. Also observe how the underside of the leaf is brightly lit while the top of the leaf is a mid-tone and shadow.

Second Value Study: Light Directly From Upper-Left

Let's change up the light source and see how it affects the image. Here is a value study with the light coming from the upper-left. Notice how a large portion of the left side of the apple is highlighted and that the shape of the highlight (and shadow) follows the curve of the apple. Study how the leaf blocks the light from hitting the apple and creates a crisp, dark, cast shadow on the top of the apple. Notice that the cast shadow of the apple is the same basic shape of the apple. (More on this later.) Note too how the top of the leaf is fully highlighted and the underside is in shadow.

Third Value Study: Light Directly From Upper-Right

Let's move the light to the other side. This value study has the light coming from the upper-right. Notice how the highlight hits the top of the apple and wraps around the curved shape while the shadow fills in the space around the stem and along the left-hand side of the apple.

So, which is the best light source? Well, that's for you to decide.

The Color of Light

Did you know that light has color? To realistically illustrate light, we need to take the color of the object and the color of the light into consideration.

Most often, we ignore the color of the light and only focus on the color of the object. We illustrate light by coloring the highlights on an object a very light shade of the mid-tone color or the color of the object itself as is demonstrated by the light purple highlights on this zinnia.

In reality, the color of the light source affects the color of the highlights on an object. Here is that same zinnia image colored with a slight yellow hue added to the highlight as if the container were sitting outside in the sun.

Shadows

Me & My Shadow

While light plays the leading role, the award for best supporting actor has to go to the shadow. Whether form shadows or cast shadows, shadows help give depth and dimension to an object.

Let's begin with an image without any variations in value. Notice how flat and boring the image is. It's dull and without any real character or distinction because it has no highlights or shadows.

Here is the same image in modified grayscales showing two different light sources. The first shows a light source from the upper-left.

The second shows a light source from the upper-right. Notice that the images have both form shadows and cast shadows.

Form & Cast Shadows

Here we have the finished image with shading and form shadows added. Notice the crisp shading on the apple and the bright highlight. This implies the surface is smooth and very shiny. Observe the softer shadow...