Lena Rivera
When it comes to painting, there are various techniques and approaches that artists can use to achieve their desired results. One common question that arises is whether to start with light or dark shades, and there are several perspectives on this topic. Some artists suggest starting with the darkest shades and gradually transitioning to the lighter tones, which helps create depth and makes it easier to layer thin darks over thicker lights. Others argue that beginning with lighter shades first can provide a better value judgment for the dark areas. Additionally, the choice between starting with light or dark colours may depend on the type of paint being used, such as oil or acrylic, and the specific technique being employed. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all rule, and artists are encouraged to experiment and find the approach that works best for them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional painting | Dark to light |
| Reason for traditional approach | Types of paints used and how they dried |
| Modern paints | Dark to light, light to dark, or middle-out |
| Modern approach for depth | Start with dark shades and move to light shades |
| Watercolour | Light to dark |
| Oil painting | Dark to light |
| Acrylic paint | Similar to oil, but darkest colours generally go on last to help provide depth |
| Paint by numbers | Lightest colours first, then darkest colours |
| Portrait painting | Darkest colours first, then midtones, then lightest highlights |
| Landscape painting | Lightest colours first, then darker colours |
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What You'll Learn
There is no hard and fast rule
Traditionally, oil paintings were created using dark shades first, moving towards the lighter shades. This is because oils are generally opaque, and it is easier to paint lighter colours over darker colours. However, with modern paints, it is possible to paint in any direction—dark to light, light to dark, or even starting with mid-tones and working outwards.
When using acrylic paints, it is generally recommended to start with the darkest colours and work towards the highlights to provide depth to the painting. However, this is not a strict rule, and you can choose to start with the lighter colours and then add the darker shades on top.
Watercolour paintings, on the other hand, typically require starting with light shades and gradually moving towards the darker shades.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to start with light or dark colours depends on your personal preference and the effect you want to achieve. You can experiment with different techniques and find the one that works best for you.
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Dark to light was traditional
The traditional way of painting is to start with dark shades and move towards the light shades. This is because it is easier to place thin lights on top of thicker darks, and it helps with the illusion of depth. Dark to light was the traditional method, especially when using oil paints or acrylic colours. This is because oils are generally opaque, and acrylics dry quickly, so it is possible to make corrections.
However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there are many different methods and approaches. For example, some artists suggest starting with a mid-tone ground rather than a bright white canvas, and placing some lighter values first to judge the darks against. Others suggest starting with the lightest colours and working towards the darkest to create a sense of depth and dimension. This can be particularly effective for landscapes, where the sky is often the lightest part of the painting.
The choice of whether to start with dark or light colours is ultimately up to the artist, and it can depend on the area being painted. For example, when painting a portrait, the artist might start with the darkest areas of the hair and clothing, then move on to the midtones, and finally add the lightest highlights.
There are many different techniques and approaches to painting, and the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the creative process.
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Dark first helps with the illusion of depth
Painting with dark shades first can be an effective way to create a sense of depth and dimension in your artwork. While there is no one-size-fits-all rule for painting, starting with dark colours and gradually transitioning to lighter shades is a popular technique that can enhance the illusion of depth.
When creating a painting, it's essential to consider the role of light and how it interacts with different elements in the composition. By starting with the darkest shades, you can establish the areas of shadow and depth in your artwork. This initial step of blocking in the shadows provides a foundation for the rest of the painting and helps you visualise how the light will play across the canvas.
One of the key advantages of beginning with dark shades is the ability to create thin layers of paint for the shadows. Keeping the dark areas thin helps achieve the illusion of depth, as thick paint in these sections can make the painting appear flat. By starting with dark colours, you can avoid the challenge of applying thin dark paint over thicker light shades. This technique ensures that your brushwork remains clean and spontaneous, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the artwork.
Additionally, starting with dark colours can provide a better understanding of colour composition and how different shades interact. The dark shades typically form the background of a painting, so laying them down first gives you a clearer idea of the painting's overall appearance. This approach also allows you to make endless corrections and adjustments, as you gradually build up the layers of paint, transitioning from dark to light.
For example, when painting a landscape, you might start with the darkest shades for the shadows, trees, and foreground details. Then, you can transition to mid-tones and finally add the lightest shades for the sky, creating a sense of depth and dimension. This gradual progression from dark to light enables you to recreate the light in your canvas and guide the viewer's eye through the composition.
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Light first can help you create a sense of depth and dimension
While there is no hard and fast rule about where to start when painting, starting with light colours and working towards dark shades can help you create a sense of depth and dimension in your painting. This is especially true for landscapes, where you might start with the sky, then move on to the grass and trees, and finally add in the darkest shades for the shadows and foreground details. This approach can also be useful for portraits, where you might want to bring forward certain features, such as light-coloured hair, by painting them after the darker colours.
Starting with light colours can also be helpful when working with oil paints, as oils are generally opaque and allow for endless corrections. This means that you can start with a mid-tone ground and then add your dark shades before putting in the highlights at the end. This way, your final lights will lay over the darks, creating depth and ensuring that your brushwork appears cleaner and more spontaneous.
Additionally, beginning with light colours can be a good way to get a sense of how your painting will look and to learn about colour composition, as the dark colours are typically part of the background. This approach can also be useful for paint-by-numbers kits, where it is recommended to start with the lightest colours and work towards the darkest to create a sense of depth and dimension.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to start with light or dark colours is up to the artist, and there are many different methods and techniques that can be successfully employed.
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Dark first is more convenient for oil painting
When it comes to oil painting, starting with darker shades and progressing towards lighter ones is a common approach. This traditional method has persisted because it offers several advantages and is generally more convenient.
Firstly, beginning with dark shades is practical because dark colours are typically part of the background. Laying them down first provides a foundation for the painting and helps the artist visualise the final composition. This approach also aids in understanding colour composition and how different shades interact. By starting with the dark shades, artists can create a sense of depth and dimension in their work.
Additionally, starting with dark shades helps artists achieve cleaner and more spontaneous brushwork. When entering a medium value into a dark area or a clear value into a medium area, the brushwork appears more effortless and natural. This technique can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the painting.
Moreover, the "fat over lean" rule in oil painting encourages starting with dark shades. This rule suggests that darker colours should generally be placed underneath lighter ones to provide depth. By starting with dark shades and gradually moving towards lighter ones, artists can adhere to this principle more easily.
While there is no single rule that dictates the order of painting light and dark shades, starting with dark shades is a tried-and-true method for oil painting. It provides a solid foundation, aids in visualising the final composition, and helps artists create depth and clean brushwork. Ultimately, artists should experiment and find the approach that works best for their unique style and the specific painting they are creating.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive rule about whether to start with light or dark colours when painting, but there are some general guidelines that may be useful. One approach is to start with the darkest colours and work towards the lightest shades. This can help create a sense of contrast and drama in your painting.
One technique is to start with a mid-tone ground rather than a bright white canvas, placing some lighter values first so you have something to judge your darks against. Another technique is to start with the lightest colours and work towards the darkest, which can help create a sense of depth and dimension.
Watercolour painting typically requires you to start with light colours and move towards dark. When using oil paints, it is generally better to start with dark shades and move towards light shades. However, with modern paints, there are many different methods and it is really up to the artist to decide.
