Shadow Light

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

Tracks Pastel John Hulsey

We have been getting a surprising number of comments about our recent posting of the plein air pastel, Tracks. This painting has apparently struck the same chord with others that the subject struck with me while looking around outside for something to paint this week. I think that what people are responding to is the winter light and the way colors are massaged in the painting to bring out warmth in the landscape. In particular, with the high contrast conditions of winter sun on brilliant snow, we have been exploring the colors of snow and shadows. Shadows create the form and interest in winter landscapes. “Warm light = cool shadows“, “cool light = warm shadows” are two basic principles that we use to guide our color decisions when painting outdoors. But what is meant by cool or warm light? Generally speaking, North light from a clear blue sky is going to be a cooler temperature than light measured from the South. But…