Exercise in Linking Shadow Shapes in Watercolor

Plus Rethinking Warm Lights and Cool Shadows

In painting, the general rule is to have warm lights and cool shadows. However, this isn’t always in the best interest of your painting—or your artistic intention.

For example, if you’re painting a yellow lemon, the shadow will still be warm, even though it is cooler than its local color. What matters most is the overall balance of the painting. The colors need to be in harmony and work together.

If you want a painting to feel exciting, you might choose to use more warm colors—even in the shadows.

Considering Your Light Source

If your subject is lit from cool north light, the lights will be cool, and the shadows will probably be warm. Similarly, if the subject is lit from a cool light bulb, you’ll need to adjust your thinking and painting technique accordingly.

Avoid making your painting predictable and dull—all warm lights and all cool shadows can lead to work that looks like every other intermediate painter’s. You are the boss!

Ask yourself:

• Would your painting look better with warm colors flooding into the shadows?

• Would it be more balanced with cool shadows under certain elements?

Experiment. Take chances. Try multiple variations of the same subject. If you’re new to painting (two to three years in), it’s still worth practicing the traditional rule before you start breaking it.

Shadow Linking Exercise

1. Set up a strong light source on your subject.

2. Observe and draw the object, focusing on the shadow shapes.

3. Paint only the shadow shapes and cast shadows—no reflected light or accents inside them.

4. Avoid adding paint to the light side of the object at this stage.

5. If needed, add secondary dark areas (such as a hat rim or clothing detail) to enhance the study.

   
   

   

Observations from Practice

• Notice how warm shadows can link together to guide the viewer’s eye.

• In the first cowboy study, the shadow under his hat flows across his face, down his neck, collar, and shirt.

• The shadow on his face is warm, but under the hat, it is cool—this contrast creates interest.

• For the farmer study, adding cool shadows under the hat might balance the trousers and prevent a washed-out look.

Whether you’re painting a still life, portrait, or landscape, experimenting with shadow temperature and linkage can bring depth, harmony, and personality to your work. Remember—the rules are guidelines, not laws.

Ready to take your art to the next level?

The Artist’s Playground in Newburyport, MA, offers adult art classes where you can practice techniques like shadow linking, color harmony, and light source control in a supportive, hands-on environment.