In this chapter, I invite you to explore the fascinating world of color as light. Imagine each colored object in your painting as its own light source—a red object as a red light, a yellow one as a yellow light, and so forth. This approach transforms the way you perceive and depict light interacting with objects. By visualizing each object as if it were radiating its own glow, you can create a vibrant area around it where its color infuses the surrounding space. This technique will enrich your understanding of how light influences nearby areas, allowing you to capture the essence of any subject with simple light and shadow shapes. As we delve deeper into mastering color, you'll find this perspective not only enhances your paintings but also brings a new level of depth and vibrancy to your work. Let's embark on this colorful journey together and unlock the secrets to making your paintings truly glow.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Notice how the mandarin transforms into a powerful glowing light source. Observe the orange reflection in surrounding objects, including the grapes and the inside of the bowl. The orangey-red glow extends into the atmosphere, creating a vibrant effect.
Extend Color Beyond Objects
Recognize how the color extends beyond the limits of the object into the surrounding atmosphere. This effect is similar with the watermelon, where the orangey-red infuses the surrounding area, enhancing the glow.
Create a Neon Strip Effect
Identify the light yellow-green strip that lightens the surrounding area, making the orange lighter and the background a lighter green. This creates a neon strip effect, enhancing the overall vibrancy.
Reflect Light on Surfaces
Observe how light bounces off the cloth onto the underside of objects, reflecting colors like green, which transitions to blue further away. More reflective surfaces will directly mirror the object's color.
Enhance Mid Values for Glow
Intentionally lighten and saturate the mid values more than usual to enhance the glowing effect. This technique makes it appear as though light is emanating from the object, even in areas that could be darker.
Pro tipLighten and saturate mid values to enhance the appearance of a glowing light source.
In this lesson, you explored the concept of treating objects as light sources, allowing you to capture the interplay of light and color in your paintings. By visualizing each object as a glowing entity, you can infuse your work with vibrant energy and depth. This approach is particularly effective in still life and figure studies, where the glowing effect can transform the atmosphere of your composition.
You learned to enhance the glowing effect by lightening and saturating mid values, using thicker paint in light areas, and varying edges for a dynamic look. These techniques help create a striking contrast between light and dark, making your subjects pop against their backgrounds. Whether painting still life or landscapes, these methods allow you to achieve a painterly glow that captivates the viewer.
As you continue your painting journey, remember to experiment with different tools and techniques, such as using a palette knife for unique textures. By focusing on the glowing effect and its impact on the surrounding environment, you can elevate your artwork and bring a new level of vibrancy and interest to your compositions.
Points to remember
Treat each colored object as a light source to capture its interaction with light.
Lighten and saturate mid values to enhance the glowing effect.
Surround sky holes with a blue haze and soft edges for a sacred glow.
Vary the edges around your object for a dynamic, painterly effect.
Use a palette knife to create textures and shapes not achievable with a brush.
Increase color saturation in half tones and shadows for a glowing effect.
Use fewer and lighter brush strokes when blending complementary colors.
Aim to make your object glow with vibrant color to enhance its presence.
