I'm not looking for detailed answers, just general direction and possible options.

I can make 3D balls, tubes, cubes etc, but when it comes to irregular shapes I always end up with lots of patches of highlights and shadows created with a combination of transparencies and/or feathered shapes. Is there a better (of course there is) way to accomplish the effect?

Samples below. 1) Where I'm up to. 2) The leg section I'm struggling with.

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