Tip of the month – September, 2005

Shadows are probably not the first consideration when starting a painting. But, they will enhance the light patterns and should be on your list of priorities. Often I am asked, “What is your favorite subject to paint?” The reply is color and light. The light is made visible with shadows. Shadows are the support system for my subject.

With all the hours of sun this summer, shadows should be a major interest in our paintings. The side of a form facing away from the light source will have a shadow. This shadow enhances the three-dimensional illusion of the form ( as seen in Autumn Beauties).

Another type of shadow happens when a form is blocking the light. A cast shadow is the result.

Cast shadows can be used to help show movement in your composition.

The question that I am frequently asked is “what color are the shadows?” My response is “what color do you think they are?” Time and time again, the answer to the question is GRAY.

Before painting shadows, do some in depth observation. Look around you, inside and outside. Take some colored photos of light and shade.

Allow your eyes to believe what you are seeing. Are the shadows GRAY? Amazing, isn’t it?

Colored fabrics laying half in the sun and half in the shade.

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