Shadows and depths.

[smiler]

I'm struggling here. I haven't a clue how to get the shadows. I'm sort of ok on buildings but when it comes to anything else I get lost. Mainly with water colour. I try using dark colours ( turn to solid mass) I try building from deeper washes ( turn to mud or solid mass) I'm ruining lots of paintings and pare through this.  Any ideas welcome.

[JWJ]

Shadows is something I struggle with also. On buildings I tend to use a wash of Payne's grey and paint over, but that often bleeds and smudges. I saw a couple of painting programs recently where the artist was using a colour called 'Shadow' and he mixed this with whatever wash he wanted darkening.

This is certainly something I need a lot of help with, so I'm glad you've posted and I'm keen to see what other answers you get. 

[pirate]

Gilly i use shadow (Terry Harrison own)
or paynes grey or week ultermarine.
useing a thin wash.
Ian

[Sue R]

Shadows are one of my favourite parts of a painting, Gilly, and I love splashing them across pathways especially. My usual mixes are French Ultramarine with either Aliz Crimson or Light Red. If you are painting cast shadows on grass just use a stronger mix of the original grass.  I don't know if you are a flower painter but I am hopeless with floral shadows so can't help you!

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Thanks Ian, I'll go and google Terry Harrison now ( almost sounds rude  )
Sue, thank you too. I'm struggling with flowers but I keep trying. I'll try your ideas on the next painting.

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Ian, I've just been looking at TH's site and it's fab. I also spotted one of the puzzle picture's too   I have a feeling that site is going to cost me pennies   The shadow paint sounds fab.Thank you


Now I'm  I've just been rummaging through some Art books I have on a shelf under the PC desk ( where I paint) and I have 'Watercolour Trees' by Terry Harrison  How on earth did I manage to forget about it? I don't think I've opened it since I bought it this time last year

[Ingrid]

I love shadows, but it took time, and courage to ease myself into them.   When painting buildings it is more of a shadow wash.  In foliage I do wet into wet, sometimes using the paint almost undiluted! 

[smiler]

Thanks Ingrid. Now  I need to go away and practice. I did try a little wet in to wet but got a bit out of my depth LOL.

[Ingrid]

It's like everything in our art Gilly, just keep practicing. From what I have seen of your beautiful art you don't have a lot to worry about. 

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 :oops:Thanks Ingrid, you're too kind. At the moment I feel like I want to practice all the time, it's seriously interfering with my housewifely duties 

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Ian, I'm blaming you. I bought the shadow paint and a set of brushes kind of found their way on to my order too Also bought a couple of books to help me a bit more. I had some money from my OH's son for Christmas so I've put it to good use