Some things escape me. I am often surprised by highlights and reflections in the curves and folds of the face. One would expect that an understanding of geometry would empower an experienced sketch artist to predict light and shadow by structure and shape. It's funny, though, because light and shadow communicate shape. One cannot say, "There must be a shadow there because there is a fold in the skin" when, in truth, one should say, "There must be a fold in the skin there because there is a shadow." Cause and effect, you know. You cannot constantly confuse them and still hope to develop a working system. It's like saying to a fellow passenger on the train, "Just watch me and get off one stop before I do."
In our world, there are almost always numerous light sources. This precludes prediction of shadows and highlights. There are just too many factors for the human mind to track. The lip below the nose is almost always in shadow in uncontrolled light. Light sources tend to be up high. More often than not, however, the down curve of the tip of the nose has light illuminating it. Simple logic would dictate that, because it is curving down and the lights are up, it should be in shadow. Simple logic would be wrong on most occasions.
This is just one of the many ways in which people will surprise you if you let them. Homeless Charles asked me for coffee money last night, as he always does. I gave him five dollars. He bought his coffee. Then, whereas he usually walks away quickly, he came back to my table. "I drew a picture for you, because I know you like pictures. I'll try to have it with me next time I see you." He walked away before I could say anything. I believe him, because he's a believable guy.
Hello, friends. How are you today?
Later. Love.
