BobBlast 526 - 'Where’s the Light? The Shadow Knows!'

Weekly BobBlast Issue 526
Where’s the Light? The Shadow Knows!

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

If your painting looks flat and unexciting it’s probably because you have no strong, single source of light. Make your painting more dramatic and exciting by using more darks against lights; strong shadows; and one spot that is the brightest area in the painting.

This week’s BobBlast focuses on two examples of lighting:

Pin Light - Strong spotlight lights only one side of the object but also shines on the back wall. With the Pin Light, you hear me say, “Dark against Light”.

Broad Beam Light - Gradual darkness across the page. Note how it affects the back wall. With the Broad Beam Light, you hear me say, “Light against Light”.

One of the first things I do when getting ready to paint an object, a still life, a figure… I decide where the light source is coming from. Once you know where the light is coming from, you will know where to put the shadow.

Quick-Guide to Shadows
•Shadows go away from the light source
•Darkest part of the shadow is directly underneath the object
•Shadows are generally the complementary color of the light source
•Shadows anchor the object, still life, figure

Watch the video! I do 2 demos—painting a pear with both lighting examples—Pin Light, which is focused light; and Broad Beam Light, which is like opening the garage door and flooding your subject with light.

Summary Notes:
1. Practice drawing and painting shadows.
2. Set object on top of its shadow.
3. Shadow emerges from underneath the object.
4. Shadow moves away from the light source.
5. Shadows work best with realism; no need for shadows with abstracts if you aren’t using a particular light source.

Now, get out of your studio - go outside and look at shadows early in the day or late afternoon.

Sign up for a one-day Online, Intensive Workshop
Painting Light & Shadow on August 15, 2024.
You will learn:
•Why you need good and effective lighting in your paintings
•Understanding light source - from spot light to broad beam lighting
•Shadows - what color and where to place them!
You will practice with darks and lights, contrast and color to make your work more dimensional and alive. The information in this workshop may change your entire way of painting! More choices, more color. Light up your next painting with more light!
•August 15, 2024
"Painting Light and Shadow"

Another 1-day Workshop!
•July 31, 2024
"Neutrals! How to Create & Use

Loosen Up! Workshop Coming Up
•September 11-15, 2024
In-Person, in Bob's Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA
Limited to 10 Painters!
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•September 11, 2024
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•August 27, 2024
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Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, AZ
Sponsored by Madeline Island School of the Arts

•January 18-25, 2025
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Casa de Los Artistas
Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta 
Contact Robert Masla, [phone]

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•September 27-29, 2024
"Abstract Figurative"
Sponsored by the Sedona Arts Center

•December 6-8, 2024
"Drawing & Painting the Figure with Motion & Emotion"
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• October 3-6 - Mentor Workshop - 2 spots OPEN!

Burridge Online Coaching
• Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies

[paulmany]

Bob is the BEST painting instructor ever! His teaching is simple to follow and fun. I learned a lot just by watching his videos. ❤

[mrsjarley]

You have taught me so much, excellent teacher! Straightforward, not taking everything so seriously, a sense of play and joy… best teacher THANKYOU!

[katiatzo]

You are my inspiration! Thank you Bob...Thank you...

[blackpoppymagazine]

Dark against light, dark against light....in my sleep Bob! Thank U so muvh!!

[RobertBattye-xf]

Bob Thanks for the information kip up with the great videos😮

[Naebl-cdkp]

This great with one object but how about several leaves for examples.