A highlight in art is a spot or area that is lighter than surrounding spots or areas, specifically the brightest part of an object where light is most directly hitting it.
Understanding Highlights in Art
Highlights are crucial in creating the illusion of three-dimensionality, form, and light within a two-dimensional artwork. They mimic how light reflects off the surface of objects, creating bright areas that contrast with darker shadows. These lighter areas make a painting or drawing appear more realistic. According to a reference, a highlight is “the lightest part or one of the lightest parts of a painting, drawing, etc. especially : one that depicts the areas of the subject receiving the greatest amount of illumination.”
Key Aspects of Highlights:
- Lightest Areas: Highlights are, by definition, the lightest parts of an artwork.
- Illumination: They represent the areas receiving the most direct light.
- Form and Depth: They contribute significantly to how we perceive form, volume, and depth in a piece of art.
- Contrast: Highlights create contrast, which is essential for visual interest and making forms distinguishable.
How Highlights are Used in Different Art Forms:
| Art Form | Use of Highlights |
|---|---|
| Painting | Applied with lighter pigments or by leaving areas of the canvas unpainted (in watercolor or acrylics), to create a sense of form and reflection. |
| Drawing | Achieved by using lighter pencils, erasers (to remove graphite and create highlights), or white media such as chalk or charcoal. |
| Digital Art | Created using brushes or tools that alter brightness and hue to create a highlight effect. |
Practical Insights on Applying Highlights:
- Observation: Carefully observe the light source and how it interacts with the subject to place highlights accurately.
- Intensity: Highlights should vary in intensity to match the lighting conditions.
- Shape: The shape of a highlight often reflects the shape of the object or the way the light is falling.
- Medium: Consider the medium you are using and its best technique for creating highlights.
Examples
- In a portrait, a highlight on the tip of the nose and the forehead can make the face look three-dimensional.
- In a landscape painting, highlights on the tops of mountains or trees can depict sunlight and distance.
- On a metal object, a sharp, bright highlight suggests a reflective surface.
Essentially, highlights are what bring life, realism, and dimension to artwork by simulating how light interacts with surfaces in the real world.
