Basic Shapes

Understanding Light And Shadow

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students will draw three-dimensional geometric forms from direct observation using a still life setup. Still life drawing is a foundational academic exercise that trains artists to see form accurately and understand how light and shadow create the illusion of volume. Through careful observation and shading, students will learn how light behaves on different surfaces, allowing their drawings to appear more realistic and dimensional.

Lesson Objectives

Understand how light affects the appearance of three-dimensional objects
Strengthen observational drawing skills
Learn how highlights, shadows, and reflected light describe form
Improve realism through controlled shading and line weight

Why This Lesson Matters

Drawing from observation teaches students that objects are not defined by outlines alone. Form is revealed by light interacting with surface planes. By studying simple geometric shapes, students develop a strong foundation that applies to all drawing subjects, including people, animals, architecture, and design.

Discussion & Brainstorm

Where do you see light coming from in the room?
How does light change the way an object looks?
What happens to shadows when the light moves?
How are shadows different on a sphere versus a cube?

Understanding Light

Light is essential to visual perception. We see objects because light rays strike their surfaces and reflect into our eyes. A still life study helps artists understand how light defines form, depth, and space. By observing how light behaves on basic shapes, students learn universal principles that apply across many fields, including illustration, architecture, animation, photography, filmmaking, industrial design, and fine art.

Different lighting conditions—such as sunlight versus artificial light—produce different shadows, contrasts, and reflections. Recognizing these differences helps artists make informed visual decisions in their work.

Materials Needed

Small sketchbook (warm-up)
Project sketchbook (final drawings)
4B pencil and eraser
Various 3D geometric shapes (cube, sphere, cylinder, cone)
Reference printouts (optional)

What You Do

Step 1: How to Hold a Pencil

Students will learn how to hold a pencil properly for easel drawing to allow greater control and range of motion. Begin with warm-up exercises, including pencil strokes and a tonal scale, to practice pressure control and value transitions.

Step 2: Line Drawing (Structure)

Choose a single geometric shape such as a cube, cylinder, or sphere. Lightly sketch the outline of the object, focusing on proportion and structure. As you draw, consider the horizon line and perspective. Construction lines should remain light and adjustable. Vary line weight to enhance depth and three-dimensionality.

Step 3: Shading (Light & Shadow)

Identify the light source and carefully observe how light interacts with the object. Locate:

Highlights
Light areas (halftones)
Shadow areas (form shadows)
Reflected light

Begin shading by establishing the darkest values first, then gradually build mid-tones. Leave highlights mostly untouched. Notice how rounded forms have smooth transitions, while angular forms have sharper shadow edges.

Step 4: Still Life Setup

After practicing individual shapes, arrange multiple geometric forms into a still life composition. Plan the layout carefully before drawing. Ensure the structure is accurate before shading. Apply everything you’ve learned about light, shadow, and form to unify the composition.