How to Shade in Oil Paint
Oil paint allows a window of time for applying color and working the paint to your satisfaction. Shadows may be applied easily either before or after you have painted the design. The easiest way to create shadows is to pat blend, using a mop brush. Learn this easy method of adding shadows to your painting. It is important to clean the brush between applications of paint and also while working with the paint.
Things You'll Need
- Circle design
- Canvas
- Oil paints (Cadmium Yellow, White, Raw Umber)
- Flat oil brush
- Soft mop brush
- Paper towel or rag
Instructions
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1
Draw the circle onto the canvas. Place a small circle of white paint near the top left side of the shape.
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2
Wipe the brush clean. Apply yellow paint close to the white paint. This should span out toward the bottom and sides of the shape. Clean the brush again.
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3
Apply Raw Umber to the remaining area of the circle. This application will only be around the outer rim of the shape. Since it is dark, it will have a curved ball appearance after it is blended.
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4
Blend the white paint toward the yellow paint by patting the mop brush softly along the area where the two colors meet. Keep the yellow away from the center of the white since it will overtake the white and turn it a lighter yellow. Wipe the brush often and continue to pat blend downward toward the Raw Umber. When reaching the Raw Umber, wipe the brush and start the blending process by blending the yellow into the Raw Umber. As you blend toward the edges of the ball, wipe the brush more often so the darkest color stays dark and isn't contaminated by the yellow.
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5
Re-apply any color lost by overblending and pat blend again to soften the edges of the colors. A clean brush should be used, if this step is necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean the brush often. Always begin in the lightest area, working toward the darkest. Shadow creates form.
Oil paints are toxic and should be used in a well-ventilated area. Clean any paint from skin immediately.
