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Alright, I can't seem to figure this out. Using cycles, I've added a light, originally a IES point light, but I've also tried a basic spotlight and I get the same basic problem.

As you see in the images, it's casting a dark shadow instead of light. Looking as the cone ref, its not the frame of my object is interferring that I can see or understand.

This shadow only goes a way if I move the light almost half way down the length, or move it well away from this column.

I tried changing the surface colour and materials (thinking that gold was causing some issue) but it didn't appear to change it.

I've included a dropbox link (I don't think I can link actual files here) of this setup, with 3 lights, my original lamp, a Spotlight lamp in the same position as well as a lamp moved down to where it doesn't have this problem.

Can anyone "illuminate" me on this? Thanks.

Shadowed Spotlight Shadowed spotlight with cone

https://www.dropbox.com/s/i4956x11pu2aa73/Pilaster%20test%20-%20IES.blend?dl=0

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  • $\begingroup$ as @moonboots says.. or check Autosmooth in the object's Data tab > Normals panel. The front face is interpolating the normals over from the faces it's connected to, on the sides. $\endgroup$
    – Robin Betts ♦
    Commented Aug 1, 2021 at 18:08

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It looks like it's not due to the light but to the Shade Smooth of your object, Shade Flat instead and it will work correctly.

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  • $\begingroup$ I don't really understand why, but yeah that works. Thanks $\endgroup$
    – Talesin1125
    Commented Aug 1, 2021 at 22:52
  • $\begingroup$ I don't know either :/ $\endgroup$
    – moonboots
    Commented Aug 1, 2021 at 23:00

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