Figure Drawing Shading and Value in Figure Drawing

Question 1

In figure drawing, what is the 'terminator' line?

Accepted Answer

The boundary between the lit and shadow sides of a form

Answer

The terminator is the edge where light transitions to shadow on a curved form, marking the boundary between the lit and unlit halves.

Question 2

What is a 'cast shadow' in figure drawing?

Accepted Answer

The shadow projected by the figure onto another surface

Answer

A cast shadow is the shadow a form projects onto another surface (floor, wall, or adjacent body part) away from the light source.

Question 3

What does 'form shadow' refer to in figure drawing?

Accepted Answer

The shadow that exists on the surface of the figure itself, turning away from the light

Answer

Form shadow (or core shadow) is the shadow that falls on the figure's own surface as it curves away from the light source.

Question 4

In a standard three-value figure study, which three values are typically used?

Accepted Answer

Black, mid-gray, and paper white

Answer

A three-value study uses the paper white for light, a mid-gray for halftones, and a dark tone (charcoal or ink) for shadows.

Question 5

What is 'reflected light' in the context of figure drawing?

Accepted Answer

Light that bounces from surrounding surfaces back into the shadow areas of a figure

Answer

Reflected light is secondary illumination that bounces from nearby surfaces (floor, walls) back into the shadowed areas of the figure.

Figure Drawing Practice Test