I’m writing this post to share some of the efficient techniques I’ve incorporated into my painting process. I hope it might be helpful for beginner art students or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of painting. That said, this post reflects my personal preferences and opinions, so feel free to approach your art in whatever way works best for you. Consider this as simply a glimpse into how I approach my work.
When starting a new painting, the first thing I do is draw an outline. While sketching, I focus on defining the shapes of the shadows. This helps me easily determine the direction of the light source.
Once the sketch is complete, I begin painting by laying down the darkest values first, focusing on the shaded areas and shadows. From there, I gradually work toward the brighter parts. This approach allows me to create a rich range of mid-tones, adding depth and realism to the painting.
When mixing colors for shaded areas, I start by identifying the primary color of the subject I’m painting. For instance, if I’m painting a Caucasian figure, I typically use a coral or peach tone as the base color. This base color is also the foundation for creating the shadow tones.
To create shadows, I mix the base color with a touch of brown or black and a hint of red. The key to achieving realistic shadow tones lies in reducing both the brightness and the saturation. Since shaded areas don’t receive direct light, they shouldn’t appear as vibrant or bright as the illuminated areas. Lowering the tone and saturation ensures the shadows look natural and harmonious within the painting.
When my painting is about 80-90% complete, I switch to a very thin brush to refine the highlights. This technique helps add a striking sense of depth and realism, making the piece feel truly finished.
To summarize, start by sketching the outlines, including the shapes of the shadows and shaded areas. Focus on painting the darkest parts (the shadows) first, then gradually transition to the brighter areas. Finally, use a fine brush to add intricate details and enhance the highlights for a polished, professional look.
I hope this post is helpful for you! Let me know in the comment section if there is anything else you would like me to talk about.
-PQHAÜS-
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