Visual Exploration 2: Colour Story - Shadows

Shadows and appearance

This set of images I found online really sparked my interest in how shadow placement can change how the subject is depicted. Although its the same mannequin, each photo depicts a different facial expression and mood. Unfortunately the photographer of the mannequin is lost to time but they were said to have been taken in the 1920s. 

 

Lit from the front

This lighting scenario looks the most 'normal' and friendly. 

Lit from the side

This one almost looks like its lost in thought and the face being half in shadow adds a feeling of mystery.

Lit from above

This one is a lot scarier looking than the previous, it looks confident, smug, like its looking down on you. The shadows make the eyes make them appear squinted and the lips fuller. 

Lit from the bottom

This is easily the most unsettling of the set, the lighting from below makes the inhuman features look terrifying, enlarging the eyes and changing the appearance of its facial expression to look menacing.

The emotion its feeling could be fear or even insanity.

 Painting With Shadows

I want shadow to be a key component to the colour story. For the following experiments I used black ink or paint to depict forms using primarily the shapes on the face caused by shadow from directional lighting. 

From photo reference

Some of these were more successful than others but I like how the shadows can suggest form, leaving the interpretation up to the viewer.