Caroline Marsland instructed us that perspective, shape, tonal values and contrast are what we need to look at in mastering how to draw or paint in the shadows.There are dark shadows blending into half shadows as well as reflected light. Often light will come up from the bottom.With some shapes such as a tree, the shadows will undulate. Shadows can describe shape such as with steps as well as in a portrait. with some shapes such as a tree, the shadows will undulate
.You should squint to look at the shadows of what you are about to draw. You must know where the shadows fall near the light and be careful of the half shadow area. She has used a 6B pencil to draw in the figure with in half shadows using hatching with darker shadows added.You continue to darken the shadows with an 8B pencil. You continue to darken the shadows with a 8B pencil which will not give you a sharp line as it is too soft. The shadow can change the shape of your picture. You must be careful with the half shadow as it reaches the light.
When painting Caroline suggested that you do a light wash over the area first before you start to decide where the shadows and half shadows are. Dark areas are a focal point and lead people around the painting.Landscapes are best with darker shadows generally.
She encourages us to do a rough sketch 1st to outline where your shadows are going to be.
