I really appreciate how simple you make things - excellent example. I also appreciate the "homework" you suggested with a roll of paper towels. I'm going to try this - thanks!
I'm so happy I decided to look up how to paint shadows, and this tutorial came up. I still don't understand exactly so I will do the exercise you recommend. I should have known there was an actual technique for figuring this out, but I didn't realize it. EDIT: Oh my I just went to see if you had very many videos and you have a ton! So many to watch! I'll check out your website too. I use watercolor mostly.
So glad you went searching for how to paint shadows. Even though the techniques used in watercolor are totally different from those used in oils, the way color and all the composition principles work are the same. Welcome aboard!
Took my paper towel outside put it in the ground wind blew, opened it up and my cast shadow was an odd shape. Still worked very nicely walk around it and sure enough it changed the shadow. Great lesson thank you.
I love to hear from folks like you who actually tried an experiment I suggested. Thanks for reporting back. Yes, the wind will participate and that opens up even more possibilities.
There is a difference between cast shadows and form shadows. Cast shadows are shadows cast by a shape blocking the light source. Indeed, they can be found anywhere, even in still lifes and on curtains, etc. Form shadows are shadows on any form/shape that are moving away from the light source or are on the opposite side of the light source.
We can't make rules about that. We find those answers by observing. So much depends upon the movement of the water, the direction of the light source and your vantage point.
I wonder how to determine where cast shadow touches object edge. As this point isn’t explained very clearly, so I’m very confused about this. Can you have detailed explanation? Thanks!
You determine this by observation. We can't make rules about these things because cast shadows are determined by the light source--where it is located and how bright it is. We can use the little principle I explain here as a guide, but observation is always the best way.
Hi, I’m pretty new to your quick tips and acrylic painting. Sorry if you’ve already done this. My question is, how to prepare a canvas before you paint acrylic on it. I’ve seen people use sand paper, and/or gesso 3 times, paint an underpainting, etc. And how do you choose a canvas? Thank you!
