In this wonderful and informative blog, Stacy Kamin leads us through the very complex theory of shadows when painting light and shadow in the chiaroscuro way of working in oil. In oil painting shadows help create the illusion of dimension. One of the most important techniques is the skill to use light and shadow to create the illusion of a three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. The direction of the light determines the form shadow on the object and the cast shadow, which describes the surface where the shadow is cast. The cast shadow also tells the viewer the perspective of the artist painting the setup.

“ Shadows are the bones of a painting,” says David A Leffel.

What is shadow in painting?

What is a cast shadow in art?

Do shadows have color?

What is the color of the shadow?

 What color do I make shadows?

 If painted well, shadows create depth and dimension. Beginner oil painting students struggle to make dimension in their work. Historically, if beginners went to fine art classes, they learned to make convincing shadows by making them warm, dark and transparent.  This blog explains  how warms and cools function in the shadow and in the light to create air and space. Most students struggle with what temperature to paint the shadow and that is why it’s important to understand how oil painting techniques work to create depth.

To learn more, watch this Free Video!