There are many things to consider when it comes to painting shadows and it is not as easy as throwing down some black paint. Let’s look at tips and techniques painters use to create realistic shadows that become part of the final painting. What’s a good approach to shadows?
Mixing a chromatic black is an improvement on straight black. It has the look of black but is not black. Using a complementary color for the shadow will produce a more subtle, natural effect. This is a preferred approach to shadows.
If black isn’t allowed on the palette, just what do you use?
Greens and purples are popular shadow colors.Deep blues are also a nice touch as many shadows have a natural blue tone.
Wait, there’s more than one type of shadow?
A form shadow is the portion of an object that is naturally darker and away from the light source. These shadows are used (along with highlights) to define the ‘form’ of the object.A cast shadow is one that is created by an object that is blocking light falling onto another object. For instance, your shadow on the sidewalk on a sunny day.
Decisions, decisions… when should you paint shadows?
Leave the shadow area white until you’re ready for it.Paint the shadow on top of other paint using a glaze or a similar technique.
What does a shadow need to be believable?
Texture - Look at the shadows around you right now. Have they lost all detail and texture? Of course not and your painting should not, either. Tone or Value - Shadows are not a flat color, but they have darker and lighter values within the shadow.
How can a glaze create shadows?
The multiple layers of color used in a glaze blend together to look like the dark tones of a shadow.It’s best to start light as you can add more layers of glaze, but you cannot remove it if you go too dark.
Pay attention to the angle of the sun.
You water scenes will have more or fewer and deeper or softer shadows depending on the direction of the light. Shadows add dimension to water and give you the opportunity to express moving waves or flowing streams.
