Which concept involves creating a sense of depth, gradients, or color contrasts?

• A. Optical mixing
• B. Tint
• C. Modeling
• D. Palette

Answer: (C)

Modeling involves creating a sense of depth on a flat surface by shaping with light and shadow. By arranging highlights, midtones, and shadows, you give a form volume, and the smooth or deliberate gradations between these values create the illusion of three-dimensionality. Subtle color contrasts across the surface can reinforce that depth by showing how light alters color and temperature on different parts of the form. For example, a sphere lit from the side will have a bright highlight, a gradual transition to lighter midtones, and a darker shadow on the opposite side, which together communicate roundness and depth. Optical mixing describes how colors perceived next to each other blend in the eye, rather than shaping form. Tint is simply adding white to a color, which lightens it but doesn’t establish volume. Palette is the set of colors used, not the technique of rendering depth.