Critiquing the Masters: Applying 3D Production Lighting Principles to Famous 2D Works of Art

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates the effects of applying lighting principles developed for 3D computer graphics production to well-known historical 2D paintings. The visual analysis and cinematographic direction is derived from the iterative review-critique- review process used in production of 3D animated films and the imposition of a narrative purpose for re-lighting. This thesis focuses on five of the important fundamentals of lighting design, adapted and defined by Pixar Animation Studios Director of Photography Sharon Calahan in “Storytelling Through Lighting: A Computer Graphics Perspective.” The results are 2D images that are easily recognizable as adaptations from the original paintings, but that communicate a distinctly different visual impression. Each re-lit painting serves as an example of the lighting principle employed and offers a unique viewpoint on a well-known artwork.