How to Paint Shadows Better in Oils or Acrylics (2019)

How to paint shadows that look like shadows? But you still want an impressionist or loose painting look to them? This lesson gives important tips that will help you paint better shadows. Oils or acrylics.
This lesson is an extract from my Art Coaching program. Want to spend six months getting in depth painting instruction from me? Find out more here: bit.ly/ArtCoach...
Painting Materials:
- Van Gogh Oil Color Paint, 10x20ml Tubes, Basic Set: amzn.to/2FwIn6l
- Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colour Paint Basic Set, Ten 21ml Tubes: amzn.to/37CoPJD
- Oil Acrylic Paint Brushes Set. 100% Natural Chungking: amzn.to/2FombLe

[@claraedouwesdekker6389]

Thanks Malcolm! Busy with a painting now where I have been battling with this exact problem. Brilliant tutorial.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent, glad to help!

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

Wow!!
A Great lesson!!
Thank YOU MUCH.

[@randiken]

I’ve been teaching myself how to paint for the last few months - I’ve only ever known how to draw - shadows seem to be my arch nemesis so I’m excited to see this. I normally like to try and teach myself but no success with shadowing yet

[@MalcolmDewey]

I hope this helps 😊

[@randiken]

@@MalcolmDewey it absolutely does, although u make it look so easy but that’s never the case - not at first at least. New subscriber - can’t wait to watch your videos!

[@nazaninlabafian675]

It is so useful. Thanks alot🌹

[@MalcolmDewey]

You're welcome 😊

[@jayashreeshenoy1166]

Awesome video... Thanks...but I sincerely wish it was demonstrated on a better landscape, etc....the current one looks too confusing and unclear.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad you liked it. These are the principles. See them in a full demo here: ua-cam.com/video/M8HpEIV1oSI/v-deo.html

[@bettychamberlain1446]

Jayashree Shenoy , I agree. I can’t relate to what the dark green mass is. I like the rest of the description though.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks for watching Jayashree. In this one the focus is on shadows in general. Apply the idea to any sunny landscape. For an example view this demo: ua-cam.com/video/M8HpEIV1oSI/v-deo.html

[@user-ex9pi9pi2n]

Thank you,very good😊

[@MalcolmDewey]

Welcome 😊

[@johnnyblaze373]

Very helpful video Malcolm, thanks. Just a quick question, regarding local colour and shadow, If I have a red apple in WARM light, and I wanted to create it's shadow colour (core shadow, not cast), would I mix a new cool red, add cool green(compliment) and a touch of cool blue? or would I use the warm red (original light colour mix), with cool green and a touch of cool blue?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks Johnny - I would start with the warm red and add blue and possibly green. I tend to mix color as I go on the palette instead of pre-mixing piles of paint. What is most important is getting the value accurate. That creates the illusion of the shadow. Then adjust temperature with blue and - if necessary, dark green - while keeping the value constant. Probably ultramarine and maybe a little cerulean blue. Careful with the green so you don't lose vibrancy as green and red can get muddy. I sometimes use a little touch of yellow ochre to make the green with the ultrmarine. As always experiment. Make little swatches of your color - hold it up to the subject and see if it looks correct. When it matches close enough you will know you have it right.