Shadows and reflections
Construct cast shadows and reflections in perspective so they align with surfaces, forms, light direction, and vanishing points.
What it is
You construct shadows and reflections with the geometric logic used for boxes and buildings. A cast shadow has a light-source origin and direction. It falls across planes that recede toward vanishing points.
For boxes, cylinders, and spheres, project corners or key contour points along the light direction. Drop those projections onto the ground plane, then connect them. Check that the shadow begins where the object touches the surface.
A reflection on calm water or a polished floor flips the object across the reflecting surface. Mirror heights across the surface, then draw horizontal edges toward the object's vanishing points.
Why it matters
Perspective-aware shadows and reflections place objects within a shared ground, light, and surface structure. Weak control can make objects appear disconnected from the ground, make floors feel unstable, or misalign reflected forms.
You can check it when
- ✓You construct a box or cylinder's cast shadow from a defined light direction, with edges following the ground plane's vanishing points.
- ✓You draw an object and its reflection on a flat surface, then verify matching heights, widths, and alignments with horizontal and vertical guidelines.
- ✓You place shadow edges at contact points and follow each plane when a shadow crosses from a floor to a wall, step, or object.
- ✓You change the light direction and rebuild the major cast shadows so they remain consistent with the perspective grid.