Tippette #2 - Cast Shadows

Tippette = Snippet of a Tip (in watercolor).

There are at least 2 types of shadows.
1.  A shape shadow (where you "mold" the subject in question and make it look 3-D, by adding highlights and shadows).
2.  A cast shadow (where the subject appears between the light source and the shadow that is cast onto either a vertical or horizontal plane near it).

Detail of "The Beach" (watercolor) by Helen K. Beacham

Today's tippette is about cast shadows.  

Detail of "Charleston Side Gate" (watercolor) by Helen K. Beacham

Do not paint cast shadows with a dull gray or black.  Vary the colors you choose, depending on what's casting the shadow, and depending on the time of day or even the TYPE of day.  Study your subject carefully...don't assume you know what to do and then make the mistake of painting them all the same value.  Cast shadows are darker where they appear closest to the subject, and get lighter and more nebulous as they move away.

Detail of "Charleston Curls I" (watercolor) by Helen K. Beacham

Detail of "Charleston Piazza" (watercolor) by Helen K. Beacham

Paint cast shadows so that they follow the contour of the land or surface they are hitting.  

Detail of "Oak Alley" (watercolor with pen and ink) by Helen K. Beacham

Come with Helen K. Beacham and Kelly Medford to paint Venice this October...

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