Shadows

roklimb62 wrote

on 30 Jan 2013 5:58 AM

Hello everyone. I am having trouble getting cast shadows such as from an overhaning limb,worked into my oil paintings. I wait for it to dry then attempt to place the shadows over top. Any technique help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

luzzyzofia wrote

on 30 Jan 2013 6:51 PM

Well, oil painting requires working from dark to light. Your darker values should be established first. It is difficult to go back and apply them over lighter colors, but it can be done. Perhaps letting it dry for at least a month, then try again. Work on another painting for a while. Hope that helps. :)

roklimb62 wrote

on 31 Jan 2013 7:44 AM

Thank you for the reply. I did know about the working form dak to light. I think I should have phrased my question better....what I am having problems with are casting shadows such as an overhaning limb from a tree.... Thanks again

luzzyzofia wrote

on 31 Jan 2013 8:38 AM

ALL shadows should be established early in the under-painting, preferably on a grayed or toned canvas. This is called a Grisaille. Take a look at Studio Incamminati, the school founded by Nelson Shanks. This is the most widely accepted procedure for oil painting. Some artist even leave the darks established in the underpainting and never put any paint on top. Only the lit areas are painted thickly. It really achieves the feeling of light. Shadows should always be kept simple and quiet, without too many brush strokes or values.