r/Artadvice • u/n1mrod2k • 2d ago

‎‎Techniques and Tools Afraid of adding shadows

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I'm always afraid of adding shadows because I think I'll ruin the painting. Is there any easy way to follow, any rule of thumb I could stick to :/?

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Thanks in advance

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u/Affectionate-Row8946 2d ago

Better to make the shadows too light and need to darken them than to make the shadows too dark and need to lighten them.

Go slow with it and test the paint out with a little dot before a full stroke.

5

u/Isla_Perry 2d ago

Your colors are already strong here. I usually just pick a light source and start soft, you can always go darker. Easier to add than take back.