//request a feature
All Lighting References
Navigation menu
Interactive Asaro Lighting Reference
3D low-poly gray and green human head model viewed from above and slightly to the side.
Low-poly 3D rendering of a human head with black and green shading viewed from below.
Close modal

Continuing the Study

John Asaro’s model broke the human face into simplified planes, teaching generations how light travels across form. This interactive tool brings that timeless study into the present.

This iteration, inspired by Xill’s “Asaro Head Complex Side” (CC BY 4.0), is the epitome of digital provenance. Use it to explore these exercises:
‍
  • Value Shading: Move the light to see each plane flip from light to shadow.
    ‍
  • Planar Analysis: Understand how each surface of the face points in different directions relative to light.
    ‍
  • Terminator Lines: Watch the sharp line where light falls off into shadow change with every adjustment.
Theory only gets you so far. Grab the controls, move the lights, and start leveling up your visualization skills right now!
Asaro Head
The number 360 degrees in blue text

Interactive Asaro Lighting Reference

Simplify complex facial geometry with this free 360° reference, inspired by John Asaro’s classic Planes of the Head. Rotate the digital model and adjust lighting angles to master how shadows fall across structural planes. Perfect for portrait artists practicing accurate block-ins.

Instructions
Inspiration and credits
Asaro head planar model in light color with bright lighting and green rim light.
Dramatic Lighting
Neutral Lighting
Request a feature

Orbit and move

Orbit the model or move the lights with click and drag. Pan using Shift + drag. Zoom using Command + scroll (Windows key on PC).

Close modal
Okay

Turn lights on/off

Press 1, or 2 on the keyboard to control one of two available lights. Each press cycles that light between two brightness levels and off.

Close modal
Okay
An icon with the letters "3D" and two arrows swirling around
INSTRUCTIONS: Click and drag to orbit the model or move lights. Press 1, or 2 on the keyboard to cycle a light’s brightness with each press.
This experience requires a larger window
Customize it