What color is that shadow?
Have you ever looked closely at shadows? As the days grow brighter in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a great time to notice their patterns and colors. Even if you’re not an artist, take a moment this week to study a few shadows and ask yourself: what color is that? You may be surprised by the answer. Not all shadows are the same. Some are gray, but many carry subtle color influenced by the object, the light, or the surrounding environment. That’s the kind of nuance artists love—and often find elusive to capture.
Tips and Techniques — I posted a study of this same magnolia a few weeks ago, but I wanted to paint it again using a different mix of pigments for the white shadows. This time, I used cobalt blue and burnt sienna, diluted with plenty of water. I also mixed several possible shadow combinations and added them as references. The key to painting shadows is keeping them transparent. A shadow isn’t a solid object, so it should still feel alive and luminous.
Drawn In 
Very interesting and valuable tips! I love your work. Are you involved in the Urban Sketchers and will you participate in- or present – at their event in Toulouse?
I love the work of urban sketchers and admire their enthusiasm, but I’ve never considered myself “urban”. I just don’t be motivated by drawings the built environment. Still, I am always curious about the urban sketchers gatherings— I just don’t think they are the best fit. I will be presenting at the Wild Wonder online conference in September. Maybe someday those will be in person.
I followed the Wild Wonder conference online last year. I’m amazed at how much and how fast that whole Nature Journaling Community has grown!
I thought some of Wild Wonder is in person for those who live in that area?
There are a growing number of in person workshops, but they aren’t the same as the big Urban Sketcher convenings.
Always love your treatment of shadows, and try to learn a lot by your examples. The magnolia is so lovely, and after studying the shadows the petals cast, it’s impressive how many variations you created. And I love your swatches! More great ideas to practice! I’m curious which magnolia shadow study you like best? Cheers!
I’m not sure which I like better– the first one was more detailed, but I like the addition of the lettering on this one. The color swatches made me think about color and why certain mixes work better than others. Get swatching!
A swatching I will go!
Is it possible to repeat the color swatches for white shadows? The lettering is to small to read. Appreciate seeing a different flower. janice bean
Hi Janice- Here are the shadow swatches from top to bottom:
– permanent rose + cobalt blue + aureolin
– ultramarine + alizarin (+ yellow ochre leans gray)
– cobalt blue + burnt sienna
– cobalt + transparent pyrrole orange
– dioxazine purple + cobalt blue
– raw sienna + diox purple
There’s no right one– just what you prefer and want to convey.
Sent from my iPad
Really great advice. I’ve learned things I’ll be using right away! Thanks, Jean.
Thanks Janet! I’m so glad!
Thank you for sharing this Jean. I struggle with shadows and you e given great tips and some lovely mix suggestions. Can’t wait to try them out! Love love love your work!
Thank you for sharing this Jean. I struggle with shadows and you e given great tips and some lovely mix suggestions. Can’t wait to try them out! Love love love your work!