An introduction to the use of light for students and visual artists, this is the first book to look at the way light can be used to create realistic and fantastical effects in a wide range of visual media. The first part of the book discusses the fundamental properties of natural and artificial light, shadows, the interaction of light on different types of surfaces, reflections, as well as transparency, translucency and the effects of light on colour. In part two, the author concentrates on people and the environment, looking in detail at how to observe the effects of light to create realistic images. In part three the author looks at the creative use of light in composition and design, for creating moods or setting a scene. Clearly written by a practising illustrator, and featuring hundreds of illustrations and screengrabs, as well as practical tutorials, this is a valuable resource for students, animators, digital illustrators, painters or artists working in any medium.