Study of Local values

I came across this excellent local-value study by teaching artist Melissa Weinman (website).

She drew 3 balls which she colored white, gray and black with acrylic paint, placing them under the exact same lighting conditions. The image bellow was the result.

The most important and interesting deductive use I found for this is for skin values in people and how different colored-skin individuals would appear under the same light.

The darkest ball has a darker core shadow and a darker cast shadow. The highlight appears smaller and in greater contrast to its surrounding.
These effects gradually change as we get to the white ball which has a bigger highlight with smaller contrast between the highlight and its surrounding as well as a lighter core shadow and a lighter cast shadow.

Melissa Weinman Local color Study

2 thoughts on “Study of Local values

  1. Hi, I would like to know your name(First and Last). For a paper I’m doing in school, I have to write a bibliography and for that, I need the author’s name. Please reply as soon as possible. Thank you and your blog is really nice!

    1. Hi,

      Sure I’d be happy to help. Just send me an email through the website (top right corner of the menu titled “contact”).

      -Ifat

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