How to Paint Shadows in Watercolour using Local Colours

[@fioritamesger8162]

Love to watch you paint. I am 79 years old and just started watercolor painting so much to learn. Thank you for sharing your great talent with us all.

[@rwood3247]

Hi Fiorita, I am one year behind at 78 years old. Like you and I also have just started. Yes you are right there is so much to learn. But let us have a bit of fun trying and learning and see where it takes us..

[@davidgreene3809]

@@rwood3247 Like you I’m 78 getting close to 79. I started when I retired about 5-6 years ago.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear - many years left for happy paintings!!!

[@barbara6204]

@@davidgreene3809 I am 51 and I started already, hoping to retire soon enough 😅

[@salauddeensyed5295]

Hi, I am 68 and was wondering if it was too late to start painting... Thank you for the inspiration... As Paul mentioned let's hope we have many happy painting years to enjoy this mysterious and amazing medium... Thanks once again...

[@aj-yi6os]

You’re the best teacher out there Paul❤

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

That’s very kind, many thanks 😊

[@veroklassmann654]

don't know what I like more: the wonderful summer window painting or ...... your shirt!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

I'd go for the shirt!!!

[@leilamorota5988]

Enjoyed watching another of your tutorial. Good night Paul.

[@SharonH11100]

Such a happy vicarious experience: beautiful music, singing birds, a gin-and-tonic and best of all, a good lesson in painting shadows. What a lovely gift, sir ~ thank you so much🙋🏼‍♀️💕

[@MOEgir198]

Yes, I liked the music very much too

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it Sharon - cheers!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers Kerri!

[@kalaiselvi_275p]

Such joy watching this painting come to life with every added stroke. Birds chirping in the background and all...

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks a bunch Kalai!

[@sherylBruce-ro4cc]

ILove your style. Is this video sped up. If so how long did it really take?

[@pozucina]

Oh !!! Totally amazing, relaxing to watch you painting!!! I can’t wait to start!!!THANK YOU!!!

[@sarapatton2374]

This is fantastic! You work so quickly and confidently. You know what would be super rad? If you made Paul Clark water coloring books with your sketches already lightly outlined on pages in a bound book of watercolor paper! Perfect for beginners who can’t draw!

[@warpedweft9004]

that's a lovely idea and I have seen others do it, but the quality of paper may be an issue. Not everyone can afford the better quality papers, and as a newly retired person, I'm certainly looking closer at that aspect these days. Once you get used to how a certain paper behaves, switching to another can be disastrous for a while until you get used to it, so buying something printed on a paper you're not used to might not be the best idea. It might be better to simply trace them onto paper you are used to using.

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

Not only a magnificent artist but also an outstanding TEACHER which is not often the case! Truly brilliant! Many thanks👍🏻👏❤️

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@meridadiane]

I will never be able to paint anywhere close to you, but your videos make me a better painter, thanks sooo much 💯

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Happy to hear that!

[@janetcurci2251]

I want to paint like you when I grow up, Paul! I’m working on it at age 64. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks Janet - I'm still growing up too!

[@karenarmendariz2858]

Such a treat watching you paint this lovely window scene. How right you are on the shadows. Gives the painting so much more life than boring grey. The colorful shirt was a treat as well. I’m sure that refreshing gin and tonic is too! 👌😋

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers Karen ... and yes the G&T helps!

[@grandmabarby]

Two years and never a thumbs down. Amazing tutorial as usual. Thank you to my favorite art teacher. You actually TEACH me something!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thank you! ... nice to hear!

[@josephcollins6033]

Very early here. My last day at the beach for a year as I live in Nashville. Great man! I remember trying to figure out shadows and reflections! I finally went for a long walk and SAW the answers. Yet, this is still so so so helpful!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Too true - it's all about looking!

[@lydiaschopfer408]

Cette fenêtre est tellement poétique et belle! J'ai passé un très beau moment à découvrir votre création et j'espère trouver un modèle aussi beau pour tester mes connaissances. Merci Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

C'est génial d'entendre beaucoup de remerciements Lydia!

[@barbarapacini5668]

I am delighted to watch you paint. The Gin Tonic also enchants me

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers ... me too!

[@littleforest1166]

Wonderful. IT was relaxing just watching. I prefer watching your lessons than watching any TV show.

[@sudipmandal1727]

Not just KZbin, most artists don't elaborate on the use of color in demonstrations for biggner. You are exceptional and an honest watercolor artist. Thank you so much sir ...stay well stay healthy. If possible, let us know about the use and application of each colour...

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks very much Sudip!

[@Pamela-ig6nu]

I just found your videos a couple of days ago. I am learning so much. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I took a watercolour class back in the 90's however, halfway through the course they ended the classes due to funding. I have always wanted to learn how to watercolour. I am watching all of your videos, and they have been so helpful and relaxing especially this one!!! Can't wait to watch the rest of them. Thank you again.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome! ... happy to help Pamela.

[@vilet2311]

Thanks, Paul! The highlight of my week come early. This is the rest of my afternoon (and probably tomorrow!) sorted with another great tutorial. Thank you for being so informative, encouraging and entertaining.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Fantastic! - hope you enjoy Vi

[@kuntidsouza6365]

Hi Paul, you are an inspiration to us. Thanks a ton for being there and teaching us how to paint and keep enjoying art and life.

[@angelafernandez8922]

Thank you Paul,Great tutorial ,you make us happy.Angela from Spain

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome Angela from Spain!

[@mrsdee47]

Absolutely beautiful. And the arrow - this will help me immensely! Really enjoyed seeing the other artists’ work at the end. Cheers everyone 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

So pleased to hear!

[@josephcollins6033]

Shadows!! Shadows! Fantastic lesson and stunning painting. Wow. And, of course, I always love it when you whip out your magic scalpel. Great playing, Margot! You can let those birds out of the house now.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀 - there still in the studio!!!

[@patriciamckeon8530]

I absolutely love this painting ! Your tutorials are always filled with so many tips and of course your humor makes it all the more wonderful to listen. p.s. Love your shirt too :)

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much 😊

[@AbiNomac]

I’m in love with your drawing and teaching style......AND low and behold now your painting style. I just feel really lucky to have found your channel. I just want to watch every video on your channel. Bless you for sharing your craft with us.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀 Abi and delighted you found us too!!!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Paul. Love that shirt! And the aha moment for shadows using local color. 😁💜

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear!

[@SteviePaints]

Thank you, Paul! Another great tutorial, and I LOVED that you posted some Facebook work at the end.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eileenfyfe7672]

Wow, this was awesome! You are so talented! I can't believe how easy the paint just flows from your brush and creates such beautiful paintings. It is always a struggle for me to get the right consistency of paint/water. It is getting better and I feel I have learned so much in just these last few months of watching your tutorials. Thank you so much!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@joanneroughton3295]

That was a fabulous tutorial Paul,. A beautiful painting, informative description accompanied by lovely music. Thank you so much for your time.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome

[@bettygalanter4417]

I love watching how your painting comes alive with each magic stroke. Thanks Mr. Paul! ps I also loved the music choice :)

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

That's really good to hear!

[@josephcollins6033]

OMG! Took me exactly one hour to sketch this! I'm happy with it, and I know it was fantastic practice. But, I don't think you will let me get away with such painful sketching in Devon! This is such a stunning lesson about shadow. And, since I made/forced myself to use that damned #12 brush and had to lie down for two hours...it has been a revelation to me. Seriously, I LOVE THAT BRUSH now. And, I believe I'm wanting to paint more because that brush does NOT let me fiddle! It can't be done! Stress is much less. Now, watched this at .05 speed...when you say it is sunny and perfect for a gin and tonic...IT IS A RIOT!!! Thanks so much dear Paul! J

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

No problem we'll whip you into shape (not literally!!) in Devon ... no time for hour sketches!!!

[@josephcollins6033]

@@ArtbyPaulClark 🥵🥵😢😧😰😥🤣🤣🤣🤣😘

[@ralucacristina7394]

Hello everyone. So happy to be here.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hello to you too - happy to have you!

[@janehammond1322]

I feel the same as most of these lovely people who commented. You’re a genius. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for watching Jane ... not sure about the genius bit though!!

[@maryannekeenan1409]

This is Mary Anne from Florida. I loved this demo! I can't wait to try this shadow approach in my paintings. Maybe sometime you could do a demo of a tropical scene using bright colors?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Mary from Florida - suggestion noted, many thanks!

[@joannhall9733]

Absolutely wonderful! Love painting shadows with local colour! Masking after painting? Who knew! Works a treat! Thank you Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lestonka]

Yuppie! My favourite day of the week Wednesday has brought a fantastic tutorial where complicated things look so easy and I may even win this unequal battle with light and shadow. Millions of thanks, Paul 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Maybe I should try gin and tonic too to loosen my mind and hand 😂😅

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Lol - thanks as always Elena!!

[@chiarasola826]

Oh this is great! Shadows with local colors... Mind-blowing! Thank you very much for this lesson

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@worldart-acrylicpainting1343]

Really creative💕 Thank you for sharing your wonderful video☺️ Have a nice day✨

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! You too!

[@glannagaul]

Stunning! Just watching is pure therapy.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you think so!

[@owenhunt8]

Thanks for the useful tips again! I always use pastel at the end to paint flowers but the results are not natural. Now I know I can use masking fluid to keep my flowers transparent.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariannedoblesderuiter9285]

Fabulous good to see that you first paint the flowers and then use the masking fluid Thst s something ito try Thank you Paul it was a beautiful journey of colours Love it

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

My pleasure 😊

[@michaelg124]

You sir, are a wizzard. Where did you learn to paint? Hogwarts? Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us muggles!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thanks!!! - Although I'd love to go to Hogwarts!

[@AndyMackin-px9wo]

This is still one of my favorites!! I love the shadow effects you create… I learned a lot from this tutorial. Thanks Paul!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you liked it!

[@kawabatayuri]

Im more amazed by your huge amount of shirts and t-shirts with random pattern all over them 😂

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yup, I do like a good, silly shirt!

[@Sunny-pr1qw]

@@ArtbyPaulClark need to sell those Paul!

[@chantalp.146]

Thank you for the shadow lesson, the good humour and spotlighting these aspiring artists!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@momijiyamanishi4548]

It is satisfying and endearing to see the students watercolors it always just warms my heart. Thank you for a great tutorial Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@rmuller366]

I had birds in stereo while watching this beautiful scene come to life. Birds were singing out the window and through my headphones. Lovely painting Paul. It did my heart good to see you paint your roses. I painted some on a piece recently using the very same technique. Probably because I learned it from you in another video, lol. Thanks for sharing the photos at the end Margot. My favorite was the one with the woman facing straight on and looking out the window with chin in hands. I’m not much on portrait painting, but that one was just stunning. Blessings to you both!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks very much for this and I agree, I loved that painting too - the artist said the lady in the window was Margot!

[@rmuller366]

@@ArtbyPaulClark Awww! What a nice artist to say it’s Margot. From a technical perspective, I observed that the artist did only partial pen work and decided that it very much adds to the piece. I’m sure I’ve seen that before, but in this painting it stood out.

[@43Marjorie]

This was a wonderful demonstration. Paul, you have created a scene that is better than real life. I loved seeing this one evolve. I am inspired.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much - very kind!

[@Sunny-pr1qw]

you know what is cool? especially these days? watching you, listening to you, so joyful, such a blessing. (and great painting teaching too!) xox

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thank you!

[@demidee001]

Your tutorial style is so calm and encouraging. I tried to put into practice what I remembered from this tutorial not wanting to focus too much on the step-by-step but just enjoy the process. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jilliandane3737]

Many thanks again to you Mr. Clark. It is indeed great fun every Wednesday to be watching your video together with others. Your teaching style is easy and anyone can understand and learn from your splendid way of painting. Many thanks.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks again!

[@laurabravo7248]

I "met" you this afternoon and I'm already completely hooked on your art, tutorials and friendliness. 🎣 Thanks!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Awesome! Thank you Laura and welcome!!!!

[@arniecohen436]

Brilliant, the shadows absolutely make it! I could almost pick up the flower pot from the window ledge. Thank you Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome

[@annp4756]

Absolutely amazing. I sat entranced watching this beautiful painting. I really want to move in. That house looks so inviting. Thank you, Paul, for a lovely tutorial.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@michelemackinnon-kesselrin526]

One thing I especially like, which most other tutorials don’t do, is you regularly flash up a pic of the reference photo so we can “see where we are” in the process - it helps me enormously anyway. And you do very good tutorials,thanx !

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear - thanks

[@pamvance7378]

I’m 71. Just learning watercolor. Your lessons are amazing

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Have fun Pam!

[@gordonallen8189]

Hello from Canada. Love your watercolour book. It took a few extra days to come across the pond. My friend turned me onto you. She is an accomplished artist. She finds you a mentor. Well got to go, must rewind this video, got my notepad and learn. BE SAFE MATE.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Oh thank you Gordon and hope you enjoy the book!!

[@mhgrimes]

Yes! Using a local color in shadows really does make a difference. I never thought of this. Thanks

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elkearendt7508]

Thank you so much for another wonderful picture. So excited to paint it. You are a wonderful teacher and I really enjoy the humour and your different shirts.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@normaneames5901]

So helpful. I wasn't aware of local colour and darkening it to create shadows. Very inspiring video. Thank you.

[@susankievman642]

Really fun watching you paint! Thanks for putting the colors an the percentages in the video to give us an idea to what to mix.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much 😊

[@sherrieleslie7478]

So peaceful to watch. Thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

My pleasure Sherrie!

[@vickyking3408]

I keep shaking my head with admiration, at the beauty and talent and skill

[@karmi8821]

How you explained with great details and humor is astounding. Thank you so much!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome!

[@lwagarful]

Such a joy to watch your tutorials! Loved the idea of masking the flowers to keep them fresh.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much 😊

[@suemiller7414]

That's a first for me to see masking fluid ontop of colors to preserve it. I will remember that ! I thoroughly enjoyed this painting, I will try it soon!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jaydonanthony]

Thank you for providing this wonderful tutorial and including techniques along with the reasons for each. What a lovely window!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@ravimuley6634]

I find another 'tip' for painting in this video. I am learning step by step through your videos. Thank you Paul.

[@jimcordle7923]

I really enjoyed watching you paint this Paul!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@IMMA383]

Thank you so much, it was a pleasure to watch this scene being painted. It's stunning!.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@1MogJon]

Another great painting, Paul. The shadows on the top of left shutter and the top left of the window illustrate your point of colour matching shadows perfectly! Thanks again for an enjoyable lesson.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Many thanks Lea

[@crystalheart9]

Thanks for this tutorial on painting shadows. I have an awful time getting shadows right. You make it all so easy to understand and fun.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome!

[@judijefferis9924]

I love this tutorial. My shadows were previously dead grey and too opaque. You really helped me with using local color. Can't wait to give it a try. Thanks.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@ruthdallas6125]

Thanks Paul. I love the explanation of local color shadows.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maggiecarter3432]

I had fun doing this one. The masking of flowers after painting was a new experience for me. Gives me another option. I have lots to practice with. Thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wonderful! - cheers Maggie!

[@vlslatha]

Wow..... So beautiful! The idea of using local colour for shadows is absolutely brilliant! And very effective! I enjoyed watching this video.... couldn't stop smiling with pleasure.... you are blessed indeed to do something you love ... so beautifully.......

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@elizabethwardrop3917]

This was a joy to watch. loved everything about it; The painting, the music, the chat and the excellent information about shadows. Thank you for sharing.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MadhuB14-All]

Thanks, PC! Wonderful presentation on shadowing. Learned LOTS!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad to hear it!

[@Art-4-Yeshua777]

Wow! Your work never fails to amaze me! Well done.

[@stefnedupreez8072]

One massive shout out to you and Charles Evans. Between the two of you, I finally found my inch. Your art is as similar as they are different and I love to use what I learn from both of you. Thank you for clearing up the issues I had with shadows. You are indeed one of the most gifted painters in watercolours that I'm aware of. If you could only realise how you influence other painters to try and maybe their style of painting. THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH!!!!!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

That is awesome! - thank you so much and delighted to help Stefne!

[@warpedweft9004]

t6hanks for the heads up with Charles Evans. He hasn't ever come up on my YT feed. I'll be certain check out his channel, if and when I ever catch up on all Paul's tutorials!

[@kitwhallon3716]

Good morning for me, good afternoon where you are! Thank you for this watercolor Wednesday! I love the painting and learned so much. Completely new to me was the wicker effect. So useful to draw the light-source arrow! And now I don't have to wait until the end to do flowers, the tip about painting them first and masking them out is one that I will apply to my next painting. I can't wait to get started!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome!

[@loriminor7253]

Beautiful! You are such a great teacher Paul!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much Lori!

[@mahawajih2741]

I love this. By this video I started my water color painting art

[@JikiSeihin]

I'm so happy I found you .. was giving up on painting ... and you gave me a fresh view and happiness. Thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

I'm so glad to help - never give up Julia!!!!

[@cherylthomas2459]

What a treat for me to watch on this cool autumn day! Such a lovely painting. I always have a strange peace come over me when the shadows are painted. You are a great teacher.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Ahhh, thats nice Cheryl!

[@christinegelormino5594]

Looks so much better using the local color. Thanks! I just learned something new.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Happy to help!

[@kimscott4973]

Finally!! I GET IT!! So exciting. Your explanations make perfect sense. The side by side comparison of gray shadow vs. local color shadow made the lightbulb go on. Thank you for your faithful video making. I have learned so much from watching your videos. Also never heard that it will work ok to put masking fluid on top of painted areas. I always assumed it would take the color away. This is a beautiful painting, as all your work is.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful Kim!!

[@sandytorento5048]

Beautiful painting tutorial Paul. You must get the best feeling when you look at all the great paintings that you do! Thank you can't wait to paint!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome

[@susanyoung6331]

I LOVED watching this, wishing I had a lovely cool G&T at my side! It's magical to watch how your paintings come together. I have been contemplating a flower embellished window at my cottage, and it's time to give it a try! Thank-you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much Susan!

[@rosefarrough6291]

Thanks Paul for sharing your line drawings and tutorials! You are so kind!

[@karmi8821]

I painted. I learned a lot today! Thank you so much. God bless you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome

[@marthacaballero1106]

This one is my favorite so far 💗 Ate almost half a box of Honey Nut Cheerios while watching and going through COVID. Yes, even when fully vaccinated… Thank you for the smiles 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for sharing Martha!! ... I must say I do like those Honey Nut Cheerios!

[@sharonsheffield2734]

I really enjoyed this tutorial of the beautiful summer window. Thank you so much for all your tutorials. I have learned so much.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome!

[@caroleames229]

Thank you for showing your shadow techniques - very inspiring !

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for watching!

[@ghislainesabot9612]

Merci infiniment pour ce tuto Paul. J'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir à peindre cette belle fenêtre. Vous êtes vraiment très doué pour expliquer. Un vrai bon moment 🥳

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Merci aussi!

[@MikaKet]

Thank you Paul. This your channel is a real gem.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

I appreciate that!

[@tracydean3678]

Very Nice! You make it look attainable, that makes a good teacher. The students did lovely works.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you very much!

[@lainareeves3755]

Wow Paul!!! This is so so beautiful!!! What an amazing artist you are to share your work, tips and techniques with us. That was such a great lesson in shadowing. I really struggle with this and many times leave out the shadows. I so agree with you that your example with the trees, the 2nd one looked far better. I'd love to be able to paint this. And what a lovely sentimental touch to display photos of the budding artists that follow Margots prompts! This really lifted my day!!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much Laina 😀

[@libellula3313]

I will try this, it has real depth and I have to admit, I reach for the grey or lavender when I paint any shadows. Your instructions are so clear and very helpful. Glad I found your channel. Jo in France 🇫🇷

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wonderful! - thanks Jo in France!

[@sheilaevans3261]

Wonder ful watching a painting come together 👏

[@Aydeet2]

Beautiful painting, Paul! Thanks for doing a video about shadows...very helpful!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it