What does the term “highlights” refer to in painting?

The term “highlights” in painting specifically refers to a light spot or area on a painted surface. When artists create highlights, they typically apply lighter colors to certain areas to suggest that those areas are illuminated or reflect light. This technique is essential for creating depth, dimension, and realism in a work of art. Highlights help to define shapes and add visual interest by simulating the effects of light on different surfaces.

While other choices touch on aspects of painting, they do not accurately capture the meaning of highlights. The absence of color would imply a void, shadowing involves darker tones, and design techniques relate more to the overall composition rather than specifically to the concept of lights and darks found in highlights. Understanding highlights is crucial for artists to effectively portray light and shadow, thus enhancing the three-dimensionality of their work.