Warm Light - Cold Shadows?

We've all heard it: warm light means cool shadows, right? Well, guess what? That's a myth! Here's why.

Check out this stunning painting by Joaquin Sorolla. Warm light hits the character’s face, making the shadows cooler. The same thing happens with the clothes.

Sure, warm light and cool shadows often appear together and can be useful. But it’s not a hard rule. In this painting, the warm sunlight contrasts with the blue sky and sea, making the shadows blue.

So, sunlight hits the water and bounces back blue. This happens often in nature, which is why artists use the warm light, cool shadow rule. But remember, it’s not mandatory!

Next time someone mentions it, you can say, “Not always!” Knowing this lets you make your own artistic choices and have more fun painting!

[trevhart]

I was honestly hoping you'd tell me why that isn't the case. I was hoping you'd show the alternative.

The worst part is that, if this is just a piece of a bigger video, I can't find it since there isn't a link

[nixsnowsong]

If I recall correctly, blue shadows also appear because of the sky. This is why if you're out skiing or snowboarding, you'll notice the shadows in the show being blue. It's because of the sky.

So, having blue shadows is usually correct, but it isn't a rule. Bounce light from other objects around you should be taken into consideration (think the green plants in a garden or the beige wallpaper next to your subject). In these cases, use a combination of different colors, which will help with adding depth.

(This was off memory. Please correct me if Im wrong and I'll edit my post)

[Acidfrog]

What shadows should I use when I set a character in the iconic ✨ w h i t e v o i d ✨?

[artscythe]

I love how you use Sorolla's work as an example, my favourite artist, so much to learn from him. Please keep doing what you do ♥️

[dmytrandr]

Nah. The rule is that in warm light, without a lot of reflexes shadow areas will be cooler than light areas and the opposite with cold lite. Although, cool or warm environments surrounding the subject may change that completely.

[iridescent_kitty]

You are an incredible communicator. I'm learning so much! 🙏🤯

[Iamjustabug]

Generally shadow colour = ambient colour

[miscellaneous]

Water’s not blue tho 😂 it’s all the sky’s doing