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11:11 PM, Thursday January 14th 2021
edited at 11:24 PM, Jan 14th 2021

I think you're slightly misunderstanding. You don't just draw the shadow the form casts on what's around it, but also them shadows cast on the form itself by its own change in shape. In your nose example there will be shadows on the nose where it turns away from the light. These should be included and should describe the form without an outline.

That is unless I'm the one who's misunderstood. I'm still working on the texture section myself, so perhaps someone more experienced can way in to verify/correct what I said.

Edit for clarity: I read the quote

"Instead of drawing the forms themselves, you should be drawing the impact they have on their surroundings - that is, the shadows they cast."

as saying "cast shadows instead of outlines" rather than a statement that you shouldn't shade in the shadows of a form, as that would not fit with the demonstration.

edited at 11:24 PM, Jan 14th 2021
8:47 AM, Friday January 15th 2021

What you say in the first paragraph is what I thought intuitively looking at the examples, especially the cover of the cast shadows video, where the silhouette of the box is clearly defined.

I understand that internal lines are implied and I see it works great on the page, but what I miss are the analytical reasons behind those lines of the silhouette.

If I can offer a humble critique, I suspect this section leaves some students wondering if talent is a factor after all because it's hard to think about analytical solutions without a broader knowledge of what is the purpose of lines in a drawing and how different marks communicate light and shadow.

But yeah, we deal with these dark moments and push forward determined to get it right sooner or later, which is a valuable lesson.

Thank you very much for your answer

2:10 AM, Sunday January 17th 2021
edited at 2:10 AM, Jan 17th 2021

My bad. I guess I don't have any practical advice to offer then. For what it's worth I'm feeling the same whiplash at the texture analysis section. It's surprising there's so much talk about the overlapping forms and none about the texture section. Perhaps I'll see why when I get to them, but I suspect it's because those with previous art experience have done similar texture exercises, while the overlapping forms are new to many.

If you're feeling discouraged remember that this is just supposed to be an introduction. Uncomfortable clearly says he doesn't necessarily expect competent results yet. He introduced it to us so we can begin practicing, nothing more.

edited at 2:10 AM, Jan 17th 2021
8:55 AM, Sunday January 17th 2021

You're right, I should put this subject aside for now and look forward.

Thank you and good luck with the Lesson!

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