Soft shadows that stay clean

Cool or warm shadows that add depth without going grey.

Level: intermediate. About 20 minutes.

What you need

• The base colors of your object
• A darker shade of each base color
• A soft cool color for shadows, like lavender or blue grey
• A colorless blender (optional)

Steps

1. Color the object first

   Give the whole object its own color before you think about shadows. Shadows go on top of a finished base.

2. Pick a shadow color, not grey

   Grey and black make colors dull. Use a darker shade of the same color on the object, and a soft lavender or blue for shadows on the table.

3. Lay the shadow in one light layer

   Color the cast shadow lightly, away from the light. One thin layer is often enough; you can always go darker.

4. Soften the outer edge

   Shadows get softer the further they are from the object. Blend the far edge with a lighter color or the blender.

5. Darkest where it touches

   Add a thin, dark line right where the object meets the table. This little contact shadow makes it sit down instead of float.

Practice

• Swatch four shadow colors: no grey or black.
• Color the mug and give it a soft shadow on the table.
• Shade the apple and put a dark line where it touches.