This particular page was done in response to Andrea Seri, an illustrator in Italy. He was interested in how reflections occur in round objects.

In this illustration, the reflected forms correspond to the shape of the reflective object. You will notice that as the shape of the object changes, the more skewed the reflection becomes. A reflection also picks up bits of information that we do not see from our vantage point, i.e. the shadow of the center cone. A true reflection will also show the observer (artist) on the side closest. Although it is not illustrated here, the reflected color of an object is also a bit less saturated. Its intensity dimishes.

This is a simple illustration. I recommend observation of a highly reflective object in conjunction with this diagram.

updated 07/16/04