MODELING FORM
"Modeling" refers to the technique of rendering the illusion
of volume, solidity, and depth on at wo-dimensional surface
by means of shading. Shading w tona l values extends a
ith
simple drawing of contours into the three-dimensional
realm offorms arranged in space.
\
Since the definition of edges gives rise to shape
recognition, we look to edges t o discover the configuration
of the surfaces of athree-dimensional form. We must
therefore be careful how we define the nature of the edge
or boundary wherever two shapes of contrasting values
meet.The skillful manipulation of tona l edges is critical to
defining the nature and solidity of a surface or object.
'"
Hard edges delineate sharp, angular breaks in form or
describe contours that are sep
arated fromthe
background by some intervening space. We define hard
edges w an abrupt and incisive shift in tonal value.
ith
Soft edges describe indistinct or vague background
shapes, gently curving surfaces and rounded forms, and
areas of low contrast. We create soft edges with a
gradual change intonal valueor diffusetonal contrast.
Digital Modeling
It is relat ively easy to create three-dimensional digital
models, and to ǒ6