Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 2 No 6 June 2013

VL
Painting
Light and Shadow
with Hall Groat II
I recommend for people just beginning, to paint the light side before the shadow of the form. If
the lights are not kept clean and bright, the illusion of light and shadow will be very difficult to
achieve, and ultimately the painting may lack a sense of form and appear as if it was painted in
the dark. After learning the basics of painting through using strong light and shadow patterns,
then one may try depicting the subject within the shadows or without a definitive light source.
This is certainly a challenge; therefore why not just first progress though the stepping-stones.
The shadow of the form should be painted thinner and quieter compared to the thick and bold
light side. Work with the same large-sized brush that was used to paint the lights, however be
certain that it’s absolutely clean, or use a second one. Before painting the shadow areas study
its value through squinting like before, to simplify what you see. In most cases, the value of the
background right next to the shadow will be quite similar, and in some cases identical. In plate
15, note how the value of the left side of the teapot spout is only slightly darker compared to the
background. Squint so your eyes barely open and the values will appear the same. Now, where
the left edge of the teapot meets the background the values are identical, however the curve of
the teapot lid is a bit warmer compared to the background. A subtle contrast in the temperature
of the tone is the only thing that distinguishes them. During your next painting have some fun
through exploring dramatic light and shadow patterns.
Examples of Paintings with Strong Light and Shadow.
Radishes 8x8 in. Oil on panel by Hall Groat II
Peach and Peachtree Branches 8x8 in. Oil on
canvas by Hall Groat II
Apple Pyramid 8x8 in. Oil on panel
by Hall Groat II
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