A quick sketch I did to use for reference. Note how the shadows cast by the overlapping cylinders are curved. They are curved because it is a cylinder crossing over another cylinder. Not two flat subjects crossing over each other. Also note how the shadow casts are only on one side of a cylinder when they cross. The cylinder that is being crossed will not have a shadow on the side closest to the light source.
A quick sketch I did to use for reference. Note how the shadows cast by the overlapping cylinders are curved. They are curved because it is a cylinder crossing over another cylinder. Not two flat subjects crossing over each other. Also note how the shadow casts are only on one side of a cylinder when they cross. The cylinder that is being crossed will not have a shadow on the side closest to the light source.
This is very helpful with understanding the shadows. I will try again.
Thank you Doug, I also find this helpful and will try again with a lighted model made with pencils or chopsticks as you suggested.