How can I create a Sense of Light in my paintings?

To create a sense of warm light in your paintings, paint the areas that are illuminated by sunlight warmer in color and lighter in tonal value.  Areas in shadow should be cooler in color and darker in tonal value.  The color and value contrast will create the sense of light.  Making the contrast greater—even warmer and lighter colors in light and even darker and cooler colors for shadow areas—will make a more dramatic statement.  For cool light, paint the areas in shadow warmer (they don’t need to be hot, they just need to be warmer than the cool light).

          Be consistent with your treatment of the light and shadow.  The light on a landscape is constantly changing, so you should aim to capture a single moment.  Sunlit areas and shadows that are not consistent will weaken the sense of a specific time of day in your painting.

From “Oil Painter’s Solution Book – Landscapes” by Elizabeth Tolley

Under the Crape Myrtle Trees



So I went out into my garden again and painted this "study" under the Crape Myrtle trees.  The only colors I used were Ultramarine Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Cad Med. Light, Burnt Umber, White. I'd like to someday paint a much larger version of this . . .

Thoughts on Painting Outside

“Being comfortable on location is essential in being able to focus on your subject matter and apply paint. Having a simple setup makes going outside more enjoyable. Have a backpack designated for outdoor use that is packed and ready to go at all times, so you can immediately go out when the light is right.

 Keep a checklist in or on your portable easel so you can quickly determine if you have all you need when you are packing or walking to location. Getting all set up to paint the perfect view only to discover that your palette is back in your studio is very frustrating.

So you do not lose valuable painting time, try to take only what you need so that you can make one trip to set up your supplies. You will need an outdoor easel and palette, a bag to carry your supplies to the location and a way to transport your wet painting home. An umbrella to shade you and your painting is a great addition to your outdoor painting supply kit. You might also consider sunscreen and bug repellent.

Attach an umbrella to your easel so that your painting is shaded, even if it is an overcast day. If it is too windy to use an umbrella, make sure your painting is not in the sun; otherwise it will be hard to judge the color and value relationships.”


(Oil Painter’s Solution Book – Landscapes, by Elizabeth Tolley)