how does light react on metal?

[Vay]

I want to draw an ash tray, but i don't know how does metal look like when light shines on it. The light source is behind the ash tray about 45 degrees to the left and 65 degrees up.

And i read the blogspot article on how light reacts on objects but it didn't go in depth with metal.

[TASmith]

It's more about the finish than the fact it's metal. You could take sand paper to anything and deaden a glossy surface. You can buy those cheap tinfoil ashtrays for what, 50 cents? And get a lamp to angle the light you want. Then draw from life. Also, note how the light changes on a glossy surface as your head moves. Sounds like this would be a good exercise for you to do.

[alffla]

]dunno maybe something like this

http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_images_n300/0094-0809-2407-2862_photography_showing_a_metal_ashtray_full_ciga rette_stubs_and_ash.jpg

http://www.tti-holdings.com.hk/lighter/Ashtrays_036.jpg

http://imghost.indiamart.com/data/Y/V/MY-1498566/Stainless_Steel_Ashtray___Zinc_Ashtray_Metal_Ashtr ay_250x250.jpg

[Natzuur-JK]

I'm no expert by any means, and already some good examples have been posted for ref. But I recently did a study and part of it was about metal.

Metal is generally very reflective across the whole surface, and spreads heat well, heat comes from light, therfore light is spread wider on a metal surface, more-so then almost any other surface. It also picks up bounce light extremely well (depending on the source of bounce light, including bounce material). Specular highlights are genrally very bright and also tend to be a bit bigger then most other surfaces on metal. Because of this nature of picking up light so strongly, you also get nice contrast , and really great reflections on metal, as long as it isnt galavnized.

Hope this helps, If you need an example you can check out my SB's post if you think it might help (i'm too modest post as an example here).

[Venger]

I suggest you read this, it may help (start from the top, don't just read about materials)

http://www.itchstudios.com/psg/art_tut.htm#materials

[George Abraham]

Diffuse light effect.

Imagine an eye flat on that surface, what it is looking at and what it sees will affect the light it will recieve, bright wall vs dark hall.

Reflection

Whatever that surface eye is looking at where are you in relation to that, the surface will reflect whatever is on the exact opposite side. If that eye sees your eyesto the top right then it will reflect whatever is at bottom right back at you.

Don't know weather this will do any good but it's cool to spend some time being an eye on some random surface.