Chiaroscuro (kee-ahr-uh-SKOOR-oh) is an Italian term meaning "light-dark." It's the art of using smooth value gradations to sculpt three-dimensional form and create dramatic depth.
Notan uses only black and white for flat, graphic shapes. Chiaroscuro uses the full value spectrum with smooth gradations to create realistic volume and depth.
The Five Elements of Form
Every three-dimensional object lit by a single light source shows these five value zones:
1. Highlight
The brightest spot where light hits directly. Small and intense.
2. Light (Halftone)
The main lit area. Where you see the object's local color most clearly.
3. Shadow Edge
The transition where light turns to shadow. Can be hard or soft depending on the light source.
4. Core Shadow
The darkest part of the shadow. Usually just past the shadow edge.
5. Reflected Light
Light bouncing back into the shadow from nearby surfaces. Subtle and never brighter than the lit side.
If you painted these five elements as flat shapes, the form would look flat. The smooth transitions between them create the illusion of three-dimensional volume.
Key Principles
Form Through Gradation
Smooth value transitions create the illusion of form. A sphere shows gradual value changes from highlight through midtones to core shadow and reflected light.
Drama Through Contrast
The greater the difference between your lightest lights and darkest darks, the more dramatic your image. This is why chiaroscuro works well for theatrical scenes.
Focus Through Contrast
Your area of highest contrast draws the viewer's eye. Use this to create a clear focal point. Everything else can have lower contrast.
Using the App
- Eyedropper: Measure exact values in masterworks. Notice how Caravaggio uses values from 5-10% (deep shadows) to 95-100% (bright highlights).
- Histogram: Chiaroscuro images show peaks at both ends with a wider distribution in midtones.
- Simplification: Reduce an image to 5-6 values to see the underlying structure.
Notan First, Then Chiaroscuro
These techniques work together:
Start with Notan
Plan your composition with 2 values:
- Are the shapes interesting?
- Is the focal point clear?
- Is there good balance?
Finish with Chiaroscuro
Add full value range to create form:
- Model 3D volume
- Create depth and atmosphere
- Add realistic lighting
Think of notan as your blueprint and chiaroscuro as the construction.
Common Mistakes
- Flat value zones: Painting each element as a distinct flat shape creates a banded look. Blend the transitions.
- Reflected light too bright: It should never be brighter than the lit side. Keep it subtle.
- Timid value range: Use the full spectrum from near-black to near-white. Check your histogram.
- Confusing contrast with gradation: Chiaroscuro needs both extremes and all the middle values organized to describe form.
Take a photo of a white sphere or egg lit by a single lamp. This simple setup contains all five elements. Use the app to measure each zone, then practice painting smooth gradations between them.
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