Art Fundamentals: How Illumination & Shadow Add Meaning to Artworks

The use of light and dark in paintings

Detail of ‘Saint John the Baptist’ (c. 1513-1516) by Leonardo da Vinci. Oil on walnut wood. Louvre, Paris. Image source Wikimedia Commons

In art, light and shadow are fundamental to expressing three-dimensional form. They also help to create atmosphere.

Let’s start with the basics. Here is a circle.