Acrylic painting techniques - Light & shade (Part 2 of 2)

Beginners Acrylic Painting Techniques
Ever felt frustrated having worked so hard on a painting -- only to find it still looks 'flat'?
willkempartscho...
Is it the proportions? The perspective? Perhaps the composition?
Whilst these all play an integral part, the most effective method of making your drawings appear three dimensional, is understanding how light logic works.
If line drawing creates the proportions, handling of tone creates the form.
The theory seems simple and the changes in technique small, but applying the principles of how tone, light and shade work, will improve the illusion of form in every drawing you do -- regardless of the subject.
And the exciting part about it is, once you 'get' lighting, the principles never change.
In Part 2 of this 2 Part painting video demonstration we look at the theory, the drawing and then paint a simple form focusing on shadow, light and edges.
You might find it isn't your drawing technique that's wrong, but your lighting...

[@dianeo]

Not only do I learn something but these videos are so relaxing! I like how you don't feel like you have to keep chattering and just allow the soft guitar music to play while you paint :D

[@mary-louiseboardman3482]

Such a treat -the silent, relaxed way of instruction. What a relief. And a beautiful apple.

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased you enjoyed it Mary-Louise. Cheers, Will

[@pamelanickolaus4062]

The quality and depth of detail in your tutorials shows you have real insight into the needs of learners. Will, you're the best!

[@willkempartschool]

Pamela Nickolaus Thanks very much Pamela, pleased you've been finding them helpful in your paintings.Cheers, Will

[@barbarawilliams7012]

You are a great teacher, really appreciate a lesson in basics that ends up with novices turning out a real painting. Just what we late starters need

[@willkempartschool]

Really pleased you've been enjoying the teaching Barbara, hope your apple turns out well! Cheers, Will

[@mona2242]

So grateful for this tutorial. Just learning acrylics after 20 yrs of oil painting. You’re a born teacher. Subscribed!

[@willkempartschool]

Awesome! Thank you Mona

[@janicedegan561]

I am always amazed at the illusion of color, shadow, and line. Just an incredibly talented artist. Thank you so much for the inspiration and sharing your gift with all of us at all levels of learning.

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much Janice. Cheers, Will.

[@gashy5526]

I feel like I just had an intense meditation session and now I feel like a cloud. Thank you for inspiring me to keep drawing and painting Will!

[@willkempartschool]

My pleasure Gashy, so pleased you're feeling inspired! Will

[@olebertelsen5023]

You are a master in teaching techniques - simple and direct. Very inspirational.

[@SirFrancisFoley]

This is without doubt the best tutorial I’ve ever watched. I’ve really struggled with shading and end up making a mess, I’m so happy with how my painting turned out. I intend to follow and do more of your tutorials, hopefully it greatly improves my technique.

[@kellydaniel16]

I painted along to your video. It's the most satisfied I've been with my work since experimenting with acrylics. Thank you very much.

[@willkempartschool]

That's great to hear Kelly, so pleased you enjoyed it. Will

[@lastuberman]

The magic happened right at the end. It went from very good to fantastic in a few brush strokes. Thanks for sharing!

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks so much, very kind of you to say so. Keep well Will

[@curlierthanthou]

What a great, gifted and generous teacher you are, Will! Thank you so much for your videos. So lovely to have found your work.

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks MaryAnn, so pleased you've been enjoying the videos. Cheers, Will

[@ameliatoralei9904]

That was brilliant! It was so in-depth and you could really appreciate how only a few colours were could be used to create a very realistic looking piece. I especially liked the part where you showed us how to build up the shadow of the apple to give it more form because I have always struggled with that when painting. Thanks for the video it was really helpful.

[@willkempartschool]

Really pleased you enjoyed it Amelia. Will

[@AngeleDV]

I just want to say that this and all your videos are greatly appreciated. I also like your style of instruction that isn't too consumed with showing every detail of the process because it gives the student some room to experiment and grasp things independently but at the same time all the essential parts of the process are covered so the student doesn't get lost. I am someone who knows absolutely nothing about painting. This is actually the third painting I have ever attempted and the first one that was this complicated. But by the end of the first video I was absolutely amazed at how good the result was, I really couldn't believe it. Thank you so much.

[@willkempartschool]

Angele L Hi Angele, thanks very much for your kind words, so pleased you've been finding the videos helpful in your journey as an artist. Cheers, Will

[@JerryPaulTreeCreations]

This was fantastic! I really enjoyed the progressive layering, and your instructional style is so easy to follow. Thanks for that! Cheers!

[@willkempartschool]

Good one Jerry, really pleased you enjoyed it, hope the apple turned out well. Cheers, Will

[@danielleemslie8569]

You are a gifted artist but even more rare, a gifted instructor!

[@willkempartschool]

Ahh, you're too kind.

[@nokuthularamatlo3878]

Today I picked up paint brushes since primary school (about 2 decades) and it was a beautiful experience. Thank you.

[@willkempartschool]

That's great to hear Nokuthula, so pleased you've been inspired. Will

[@gertlenio6586]

So agree with with Diane O. Your directions are so clear both illustrated and verbal. I am going to put my water colors away and give acrylics a try. Gert L

[@willkempartschool]

Great stuff Gert

[@therealheylesley]

LOVE love love your lessons! I'm in the North Georgia Mountains, USA with no nearby art classes. I've been staring at a painting of pears I started months ago, but don't know what direction to go to finish. This lesson on shading has inspired me. Very informative how you began the piece with a complete wash of yellow ochre to create an overall undertone. My background and foreground are flat, but I now know how to improve them. Seeing the Cad Red Light addition against the Burnt Sienna was literally brilliant, like the crash of a cymbal at the end of a symphony. Thanks for taking the time to help those of us who want to paint but haven't the access to an instructor!

[@willkempartschool]

therealheylesley Really pleased you enjoyed the tutorial and its helped to give you inspiration for your paintings. Cheers, Will

[@tammyberk7896]

I love watching you paint and find the color mixing tips especially helpful. Having no formal art lessons I want to start from the beginning.

[@kelmepy]

What a good teacher you are! Thank you. I think you’ve maybe inspired me right over the hump I’ve been experiencing. 💜

[@willkempartschool]

You are so welcome Will

[@sherylF5610]

Beautiful work. Just what I was looking for, a visual step by step from an artist who really knows how to paint with acrylic paint. Inspiring! Very painterly!

[@willkempartschool]

Good one Sheryl, really pleased you've been finding the lessons helpful. Will

[@yolandavillegas4353]

I'm a very beginner and I'm happy to find your lessons. I learned and enjoyed your teachings. Thank you very much,

[@tamarakonczal6350]

The way you paint is the way I want to paint. Thank you so much.

[@willkempartschool]

Thank you so much 😀

[@theworksight]

Really fantastic tutorial. Using a simple object and limited palette you detailed so much technique. Also appreciated that there wasn't a lot of extraneous visual or audio "noise." Thank you!

[@willkempartschool]

+Linda Friday Thanks very much Linda, pleased you enjoyed the painting. Cheers, Will

[@wolf7379]

I truly enjoyed this. I have looked at a few tips from other painters but I prefer and I like your refinement and judgment in taste in making the different tones move along your chosen hues - working together in achieving shape and roundness. Excellent!

[@willkempartschool]

wolf727 Great to hear it, pleased you enjoyed the lesson. Cheers, Will

[@Rene974]

I know this video is over nine years old, however, this tutorial was extremely helpful. New subscriber. 👍

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks for the sub!

[@laviniakendall3882]

I found this illustration very calming and inspirational. Thank you.

[@willkempartschool]

You are so welcome Lavinia.

[@Lafortuneist]

I love that I can learn in the comfort of my home. You are a good teacher

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks for your kind words Ginette, Cheers, Will

[@Cheeseplease97]

I love your videos. I am so inspired to paint! I love watching the way you blend the colors together. Thank you for your informative, inspirational videos. I thoroughly enjoy watching them!

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much Emily, so pleased you've been enjoying them Will

[@anewcareerinanewtown]

I recently did a landscape but the colours were a bit too vibrant. I like the subtlety of this and wonder if there are some essential colours I should use to get a more realistic feel.

[@snotjello9454]

Excellent video! I've just started experimenting with acrylics and this was very helpful; straight to the point and not a lot of chatter. Thank you.

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased you enjoyed it, Will

[@sandarahcatmom9897]

Great study. You almost lost me on the cad red but it blended well without getting in the way of the overall beauty of the light and shadow.

[@drakeo65]

Will Kemp is amazing on explaining as he goes.

[@willkempartschool]

Cheers Chris, glad you enjoyed the teaching style. Will

[@0502Lin]

I not only enjoyed it..I'm inspired...I've learned...I'm amazed...I think I can do this...thank you...

[@willkempartschool]

Wonderful!

[@chrishardtman9344]

I really enjoyed this lesson but was curious at the end to see how your final piece compared again with the subject matter. Thanks very much!

[@MMM-sb1ku]

Hi Will, I am a french Canadian from Montreal, I love your videos, very helpul for me, thank you so much!

[@willkempartschool]

M. MM Pleased they've been helping with your painting. Cheers, Will

[@margaretgarner5569]

I love the way you explain everything, really helpful for us who are just learning. I will definitely be giving it a try. Thank you very much.

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much Margaret, pleased you found the steps easy to follow. Cheers, Will

[@pialehmann9806]

Fantastic i will try since i struggle with light and shade. Thank you Will.

[@willkempartschool]

You’re welcome Pia

[@chrispoupore6276]

I love how simple your tutorials are

[@toiasos]

Excellent instructional videos! Bravo! So well done. You are an exceptional talent! Thank you so much for posting.

[@willkempartschool]

Thank you very much! glad it was helpful

[@toiasos]

Mr. Kemp/Will, During these trying times, it is especially helpful to be able to find talented artists who are willing to share and instruct others about art. It's particularly helpful when it's done in such soothing and demonstrative videos. I have learned so much, and look forward to many years of enjoyment improving my painting. Best regards from across the pond. T

[@GreenviewStudioGallery]

This Art School drop out thanks you! You're an excellent teacher!

[@willkempartschool]

Thank you!

[@natashabuttigieg3733]

Thank you for your videos, you are the best !! You inspired me to start painting again after 14 years, and it turned out a lovely painting!!. Hello from the Scottish highlands :)

[@willkempartschool]

Good one Natasha, so pleased you've been inspired again in your painting, Cheers, Will

[@YvonneYam]

Thank you for sharing. It was great seeing how you blend the colours. I'm inspired to give it a go.

[@willkempartschool]

Yvonne Yam pleased it helped Yvonne. Will

[@annjelley5363]

Thank you Will, I really needed to see this!

[@nyag1764]

This is so lovely. Thank you for sharing your skill and talent with others.

[@doublethedose5]

Thank you indeed, Will Kemp!! That was relaxing, beautiful and informative for a newbie!

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much, so pleased you enjoyed it. Will

[@danielleemslie8569]

Absolutely some well shaded and blended. Made me hungry for the fruit!

[@willkempartschool]

🤣🤣

[@hallymariah45]

Thank you, I'm trying to learn about shade and light...You are a beautiful artist!!

[@willkempartschool]

You are so welcome Mary.

[@timothythomas7222]

Thanks for making such great videos on painting techniques! I just started playing w/ paints for the first time and your videos have by far been the most helpful.

[@willkempartschool]

Timothy Thomas Cheers Timothy, thanks for your kind comments. Will

[@shrewkumar]

Thank-you so much for teaching this. ☺️ Made a huge difference in painting techniques for me.

[@willkempartschool]

Really pleased it helped Mary. Cheers, Will

[@andreadamico2424]

Love your classes Will, thank you!

[@willkempartschool]

You're very welcome!

[@sanaznabaei2734]

hi will :) thanks for being there ! i am amazed with your technic and the way that you teach! i simply love to learn from you

[@willkempartschool]

sanaz nabaei Thanks Sanaz, hope you're keeping well. Will

[@sanaznabaei2734]

Thanks i will be even better if you keep making tutarials more and more:p

[@noniegionfriddo77]

I like your technique Will. Thanks so much!

[@willkempartschool]

Nonie Gionfriddo Thanks very much Nonie, Cheers, Will

[@mariepainter1]

I primarily paint in Watercolour, but have done a couple in Oil.This is very enlightening as I have never worked in glazes using white before. When you add the Burnt sienna to the side of the apple is the Yellow/Green still wet ? Thanks , you teach clearly.

[@willkempartschool]

Marie Berrill Hi Marie, pleased you've been enjoying the tutorial, the burnt sienna glaze is over a dry yellow/green surface. Cheers, Will

[@myfredandabby123]

Loved this. Thank you so much. Just started painting a bit with acrylics. I like the consistency so much better than oils and just need to work on my blending. This video will get me off to a very good start I think :-)

[@willkempartschool]

Glad it was helpful Joan.

[@rudnii]

I'm doing a series of painting for my thesis. Thank you so much for this! It helped me a lot in understanding how to "properly" paint using acrylic!

[@willkempartschool]

Ryan Melgar Great to hear it Ryan. Cheers, Will

[@ryukorio6639]

the best part of the lesson is (imperfections make it perfect) :)

[@fiekekramer5896]

I really love how you began rough and end up with such a masterpiece. Love your accent too ;).

[@willkempartschool]

+Fieke Kramer Thanks Fieke, pleased you enjoyed it. Will

[@1garywpatterson]

This color study was extremely helpful

[@willkempartschool]

Great to hear Gary.

[@a-g3003]

I could reach in there and grab that Apple! Thanks for doing this video and great painting!

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks for watching!

[@EPL5430]

This was a fun painting to try, and also taught me, I have a lot left to learn, haha!

[@willkempartschool]

That's great! glad you enjoyed it Ryan

[@alephoto10]

Thank you for your tutorials! I just finished this now and I'm so happy! You're a wonderful artist and teacher! :)

[@willkempartschool]

Alejandra Vaca Pleased you enjoyed the tutorial Alejandra. Cheers, Will

[@shyles2322]

Thank you for the effort. Simple and clear instructions.

[@willkempartschool]

+Shyles You're welcome Shyles, pleased you found it helpful. Will

[@JPdrrraws]

Simply great work!

[@willkempartschool]

Jakub Politzer Thanks Jakub. Will

[@AnaGloriaGonzalez]

Really enjoy watching you! It inspires me to paint and you help so much!

[@willkempartschool]

+Anananana G Thanks Anananana, really pleased you're feeling inspired to paint. Cheers, Will

[@emiclaverie7623]

im watching this video 6 years later. it is so good and relaxing, tysm.

[@willkempartschool]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@marthahoward8999]

Thank you for this tutorial! It was really fun and I enjoyed it so much!

[@willkempartschool]

I'm so glad!

[@JaneSinclairart]

Thanks Will - we were waiting with baited breath for part 2 !

[@willkempartschool]

Cheers Jane, hope you enjoy it. Will

[@adriannakalland2342]

I am working on this tutorial today. So fun!!

[@willkempartschool]

Hope it turned out well Will

[@nilsudere]

Ok, I must to repaint this too. Such an amazing motivation teach you us. Thank you being there.

[@sherrierichard2848]

Great learning lesson on this video. Thank you so much!

[@willkempartschool]

Glad it was helpful Sherrie.

[@mashriqi6456]

Amazing work! Your technique of painting is quite impressive.

[@willkempartschool]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CraftTech-v4c]

I enjoyed watching this video , can't wait to try it :)

[@willkempartschool]

Good one, hope it turns out well. Will

[@deniseskybratful]

Amazing Will ... Love your work...fall is here time for me to start painting again...YOUR a great impersonation...Thank YOU!!!

[@dorar6123]

Wow! I am definitely subscribing!!!

[@friedricengravy6646]

Fantastic!

[@demej00]

Beautiful. Thanks.

[@estefaniajuana9214]

trying this out today for the first time!!

[@leumasw]

The result is just amazing, that painting looks fantastic. I really like it. Thxs for this tutorial, i learned a lot. Cheers from Venezuela.

[@willkempartschool]

leumasw thanks very much, really pleased you learnt alot form it. Cheers, Will

[@daxcurnew9058]

Very enjoyable and helpful videos. Thx's:)

[@willkempartschool]

+Dax Curnew pleased you enjoyed it Dax, Cheers, Will

[@Rukah99]

The colors are amazing! I loved your whole process :)

[@willkempartschool]

Katie McCann Cheers Katie, pleased you enjoyed it. Will

[@pcullie]

Great stuff. Well taught and enjoyable. Mine isn't as good as yours, but a respectable effort, one of my best so far. Thanks for lesson!

[@shirleysorenson6953]

How do you keep the paints from drying out? Water can reduce the longevity of the paintings, surely? Thank you if you can answer this $64,000 Question. I am an acrylic artist ( but frustrated ) and enjoyed your most informative lesson on this apple. I lived where it is remote and is self taught trying out all kinds of colors, brands.....have sold quite a bit but not satisfied. Takes me agonizing processing the paintings.....but I wish I can be happy.

[@shirleysorenson6953]

I think I already found the answer....glazing medium. Got it. 😄

[@josephlowry4320]

That was fun and relaxing man, thanks for uploading part 2 😊

[@runawayhorsesmusic]

thank you. I enjoyed this lesson and learned a lot.

[@willkempartschool]

You're welcome Robert, pleased you found it helpful. Will

[@runawayhorsesmusic]

I hope you decide to share more of your videos. Its very helpful

[@g0raku]

never thought an apple could be so interesting. thank you

[@willkempartschool]

Dragos Gorak Good to hear you enjoyed it Dragos. Cheers, Will

[@khadijajamal3695]

Loved your lesson, thank you. Is this the first lesson to start with for a beginner

[@willkempartschool]

Glad you enjoyed it Khadija

[@GonnyEussen]

Thank you! Amazing results

[@willkempartschool]

+Gonny Eussen Pleased you found it helpful Gonny, Cheers, Will

[@M.1-i6y]

Extremely informative and relaxing. Thank you.

[@McPixelWizard]

Ah! just found the reference image. in your link above. thank you!!

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased you tracked it down Gary.

[@syn4gamelyve799]

Thank you very much for the lesson. I just started painting and you just gave me some new techniques to try!

[@willkempartschool]

Syn4Game Lyve Pleased you found it helpful, Cheers, Will

[@MrsChikinnuggit]

I LOVE YOU WILL KEMP

[@willkempartschool]

+Rachel Swinn Thanks very much Rachel, very kind of you to say so! Cheers, Will

[@ulamogensen5828]

Thank you for your help

[@marynelson1349]

I'm very beginner,I got the form of apple and shading background but shading of apple wasn't great.I guess this is where I practice practice practice.thank you for your videos

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased you've been enjoying them Mary. Will

[@tenzen839]

dude u r awesome !!! thanks

[@willkempartschool]

+HADOUKENX Thanks very much. Cheers, Will

[@GabrieleBernat]

I tried to redo this painting and i succeeded! :)

[@willkempartschool]

+Gabriele Bernat Great to hear it Gabriele. Cheers, Will

[@pamelagarrett3654]

Hi Will, really like your videos! I have just started watching them so you may have already covered this somewhere else, but, how do you set up your palette? I paint with oils, so you don't have to worry about the paint drying quickly. With acrylics, I place my paint on a damp towel, which keeps them moist, but the coverage is affected. I am a total beginner with acrylics.

[@willkempartschool]

Pamela Garrett Hi Pamela, if you have a look through the videos there is one called 'setting up an acrylic stay-wet palette' which shows you the set up.Will

[@pamelagarrett3654]

Thank you!!

[@areyouearthing]

It would be nice to see the photo you are painting from next to the canvas so that we can see how close your colors are.

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Carolyn, if you click on the link below the video you can download a reference image to work along with when you do the painting. Cheers, Will

[@Newbegin628]

Thanks very good lesson - I enjoyed that !

[@willkempartschool]

Willa van der Merwe Thanks Willa, pleased you enjoyed it. Will