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What Color Do You Add For Shading?

Published in Color Theory 2 mins read

The most common color added for shading, particularly in natural lighting scenarios, is ultramarine blue.

Here's a more detailed look at shading with color:

Shading with Ultramarine Blue

  • Traditional Choice: Ultramarine blue is a staple for traditional artists when creating shadows.
  • Natural Light: It effectively simulates shadows in natural lighting conditions.
  • Experimentation Encouraged: While ultramarine blue is a good starting point, artists should explore other colors.

Finding Complementary Shadow Colors

  • The Color Wheel Guide: Once you've selected a shadow color, imagine a line going directly through the color wheel, cutting it in half.
  • Opposite Color: The color directly opposite your initial choice can also be a suitable shading color. This creates an interesting contrast and adds depth.

Beyond Blue: Experimentation is Key

  • No Single Rule: Remember, there is no single rule for shading.
  • Artistic Freedom: Feel free to test different shades and observe how they interact with other colors.
  • Real-World Observation: Observing how shadows appear in real-life under different conditions is a great way to find new colors for your art.
Aspect Details
Primary Color Ultramarine blue is a common choice.
Secondary Color Complementary colors, those opposite on the color wheel
Important Tip Experiment and observe to find what works best.

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