Light is one of the most central and important aspects to a painting. And the light directions you use in your work has an enormous influence on how form develops in your painting. It is important to compose with light and be intentional with the direction of light you choose.
In this article, we’re going to explore four different types of light directions – front light, side light, top light, and three-quarter light. As well as how they influence the impression of form in your painting.
Front Light
Let’s start with the most straightforward type of light – front light. This is when the light source is directly in front of your subject, illuminating it from the front. Therefore, there are deep shadows cast behind the subject. This type of light is great for achieving a well-lit, high contrast image. It can create very dynamic and dramatic images when the subject has strong features or interesting proportions.
Great for Photography but Not for Form
Front light can be more flattering for portrait photography, which is why it is a popular choice for photographs and portraits.
In terms of form, front light tends to flatten out subjects, making them appear two-dimensional. While this can work well for some subjects, it’s not always the best choice if you’re trying to create a sense of depth and dimension in your artwork.
Side Light
When the light source is placed to the side of your subject, it creates side light. Side light can be used to exaggerate the forms and structure of your subject, casting strong shadows that emphasize the curves and edges of the object. This makes side light an excellent choice for adding drama to your artwork.
Although, this kind of light emphasizes form more than front light does. It still emphasizes dramatic effects more than form. If you are want very dramatic light and dark values – this is the kind of light that will give that to you.
Top Light
As the name suggests, top light comes from above your subject, casting shadows downwards. Top light is often used to create a sense of mood and atmosphere in a piece of artwork. It can help to add depth and dimension to your subject, particularly if you’re looking to show how light and shadow interact on curved surfaces.
Top Light Can Flatten Subjects
Be aware, however, that top light can also flatten out certain types of subjects as it distorts detail, so it’s not always the best choice for showing fine details or texture.
Three-Quarter Light
Finally, we have three-quarter light. This occurs when the light source is between side light and front light, at around a 45-degree angle to your subject. Three-quarter light is considered by many artists to be the most ideal type of light to create a sense of form and dimension in your work.
Three Quarter Light = Best of Both Worlds
It strikes a balance between showing detail and texture and creating a sense of depth and roundness in your subject. Three-quarter light is used for a wide range of subjects, from portraits to landscapes. This type of light helps to create a sense of movement and energy in your artwork.
Apply different light to your work
When it comes to painting and drawing, understanding the different types of light and how they impact the form and structure of your subject can make a huge difference in the final result. Whether you’re working with front light, side light, top light, or three-quarter light, each type of light has its unique benefits and drawbacks. By understanding these different lighting situations, you can choose the one that best suits your subject and helps you create the impression of form that you’re looking to achieve. So go forth and experiment with light, and see how you can create interesting and dynamic compositions with different light directions.
8 thoughts on “Discover the 4 Directions of Light in Art and How Best to Use Them”
Thanks Elisabeth I am a morning person, but take all day to paint plein Eire so i usually work from photos with morning or afternoon late light in the photos.
You are so welcome Warren, So good to hear from you! Personally I also like the morning light the most. That is a good idea/ compromise to use photos to get an accurate image of the light.
Although I have liked 3/4 lighted artwork, I never realized it represented 1 of the 4 types of light. Thank you.
You are so welcome! Glad this was informative 🙂
Thank you Elisabeth. A good piece to think about when deciding what to paint. At the moment I’m painting landscapes so I don’t control the direction of the light, other than to decide on the time of day to take the photo; the piece I’m working on at present is from a photo I took in the morning of a cliff walk with the light coming from about 135degrees (1/4 light?). So the shadows come towards the viewer. I suppose it would have been better to wait til the late afternoon? Any advice?
Yes, when it comes to landscapes the time of day decides the angle of light. Personally, I find afternoon light to be not as interesting as the shadows are the shortest as the sun is overhead – so it is most similar to top view light. Late afternoon/ evening will have good light. Or you could try early morning!
Thank you Elisabeth.
You are so welcome Gill!