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Watercoloring ,

Watercolor Wednesday: How to Paint Shadows

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Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)

Class Description:

In this 30-minute class, you'll learn how to paint realistic shadows using the glazing technique. We'll explore the fundamentals of color theory and color mixing, and then dive into the application of thin, layered washes to build depth and dimension in your work. By the end of class, you'll have a solid understanding of how to use glazing to create beautiful, nuanced shadows in your watercolor paintings.

What You Will Learn:

  • The basics of color theory and how it applies to shadow painting
  • How to mix colors effectively for realistic shadows
  • Glazing technique and applications
  • How to apply multiple layers to create depth and dimension in your work

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Watercolors
  • Round watercolor brushes
  • 2 jars of water
  • A rag
  • A palette for mixing
  • Watercolor paper or sketchbook

About Instructor

Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)

Shelby is the co-founder of Foxsy and the creator at Little Coffee Fox. She is a professional watercolorist, letterer, and artist with a passion for teaching others to reintroduce creativity back into their lives. Shelby lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Jon and her pets Summer, Basil, and Korra.

229 Classes

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Class Details:

  • 📺Live Class Replay
  • 📊Level: Beginner
  • ⏰Time: 30 Minutes

Class Pass includes:

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Access Everything Foxsy Has To Offer

Be Part of the Foxsy Revolution

Join a thriving community of over 2,300 students, all united by a shared love for creativity. Together, let's paint a brighter, more creative future.

  • Access 311 classes with 250+ hours of content.
  • Work through over 400 lessons and 70+ projects.
  • Access the Watercolor Academy, Drawing Bootcamp, & Modern Lettering Academies.
  • Join weekly live classes.
  • Get personalized feedback on all projects.
  • Get real answers to your questions with Creative Support.
Access Everything Foxsy Has To Offer

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  • “As a total beginner when I started, I’m amazed at the amount of skill and knowledge I gained. There’s a wide variety of courses so you can’t get bored.

    There’s always another challenge in the next class. Really appreciated the personal feedback when I submitted projects.
    Janet G
  • “I loved the Watercolor Academy I learned so much and have developed self-confidence in my ability as a budding "artist "

    (I 'm still getting used to this lol)”
    Gail P
  • "This is excellent.

    As a chronic copier of other people's art, the tips offered here will help me with my own creative process and prevent the block that I feel with "what next"."
    Carol R
  • “The Watercolor Academy was a great experience. I learned so much and was able to get feedback on my projects along the way. I feel like I accomplished something when all was completed.

    I would recommend (and I have) the Foxsy Watercolor Academy to others wanting to try out watercolors or improve on their skills.”
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  • "This was so helpful! I loved the way Shelby broke down the basics in a succinct way and tips to use while practicing. Lastly, I appreciated Shelby mentioning that everyone is going to have a unique bounce lettering style.

    As someone who is new to brush lettering in general, I've been copying a lot of what I see. I need that consistent reminder to avoid potential frustration, especially as a beginner!"
    Kelsey
  • "I loved this course. I loved how it showed the lesson and then a project that corresponded with that project.

    The explanations were amazing and helpful and I really felt confident in doing the project. This was probably the best watercolor lesson I've ever taken and enjoyed."
    LG Woods
  • "I really enjoyed this course. Instructions and examples were clear and practical and the feedback was really kind and helpful.

    It has improved my lettering knowledge and given me confidence to keep practicing."
    Nic

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  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
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  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

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All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Monthly Membership

$29 / month
Go Monthly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Yearly Membership

$164 / year
Go Yearly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Lifetime Membership

$599 Never pay a subscription fee again.
Get Lifetime Access

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support
All plans come with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee.
Cancel anytime in your dashboard.
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Here at Foxsy, we are working to build a platform where you can have everything you need to give your creativity everything it needs to thrive.

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Ratings and Reviews

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What's your experience? We'd love to know!
cassidyrebecca192
Posted 4 months ago
Live Class Review

This gave me some great ideas for painting shadows, rather than just smudging on a bit of grey! Interesting to use some of the colour of the object in the shadow - looks very effective. Unfortunately, the video was very blurred, even though I heard Shelley say it would be clear.

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prpldy
Posted 4 months ago
Live Class Review

Many great tips for how to produce shadows in your watercolor painting.Also how to do a watercolor paint scale.. Glad to have that knowledge. Different from a color pencil scale. Thanks!

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kchandlerusa
Posted 4 months ago
Live Class Review

One of the things I enjoy most is telling me what Im going to learn. Then at the end, telling me what we covered and how to practice it

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LindaH
Posted 4 months ago
Live Class Review

Great Class Thank you Shelby for this Watercolour Classes The Shorter format is Perfect I'm hoping you con't these

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Lois
Posted 4 months ago
Live Class Review

I learned so much from this class! Now, I don't have to rely on Payne's gray for shadows!

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